intentional

American  

[in-ten-shuh-nl] / ɪnˈtɛn ʃə nl /

adjective

1. done with intention or on purpose; intended.

   an intentional insult.

   Synonyms:

   planned, designed

   Antonyms:

   accidental

2. of or relating to intention or purpose.

3. Metaphysics.

   1. pertaining to an appearance, phenomenon, or representation in the mind; phenomenal; representational.

   2. pertaining to the capacity of the mind to refer to an existent or nonexistent object.

   3. pointing beyond itself, as consciousness or a sign.

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intentional British  

/ ɪnˈtɛnʃənəl /

adjective

1. performed by or expressing intention; deliberate

2. of or relating to intention or purpose

3. philosophy

   1. of or relating to the capacity of the mind to refer to different kinds of objects

   2. (of an object) existing only as the object of some mental attitude rather than in reality, as a unicorn in she hopes to meet a unicorn See also intensional

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Related Words

See deliberate.

Other Word Forms

• intentionality noun
• intentionally adverb
• subintentional adjective

Etymology

Origin of intentional

First recorded in 1520–30; intention + -al ¹

Example Sentences

“I’m not surprised that she’s playing this way because of the intentional work that she puts in.”

From Los Angeles Times

The snail's pace is intentional: as if carrying a precious Ming vase, the slow, gentle motion reduces stresses on the multi‑billion‑dollar rocket and launch tower.

From BBC

He did not dispute working without Kyiv's authorisation - but rejected charges of "intentional unlawful destruction, ruin, or damage" of monuments.

From BBC

I would suggest that this is both intentional and by design, for the simple reason that Jesus was decidedly apolitical.

From The Wall Street Journal

To make a good parfait is not to complicate it, but to clarify it — to insist that each element taste vividly of itself, and that each contrast be intentional.

From Salon

Related Words

• calculated
• premeditated
• voluntary
• willful