View synonyms for intent

intent

[ in-tent ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

something that someone is intending or meaning to do or achieve; purpose or objective:
The committee's original intent was to raise funds.
the act or fact of meaning to do something:
Any identified individual found to have violated this rule with intent will be suspended from all participation in the forum.
Synonyms: plot, plan, aim
Law. the state of a person's mind that directs their actions toward a specific object:
He was arrested for possession of cocaine with intent to distribute.
the meaning or significance of something said, written, or done:
I think this summary captures the intent of her lengthy speech.
It’s difficult to understand the intent of your actions—please explain.

intent

[ in-tent ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

firmly or steadfastly fixed or directed, as the eyes or mind:
an intent gaze.
Synonyms: concentrated
having the attention sharply focused or fixed on something:
intent on one's job.
Synonyms: concentrated
determined or resolved; having the mind or will fixed on some goal:
intent on revenge.
Synonyms: set, resolute
Antonyms: vacillating, undecided, indecisive, irresolute
earnest; intense:
an intent person.

intent

/ ɪnˈtɛnt /

noun

something that is intended; aim; purpose; design
the act of intending
law the will or purpose with which one does an act
implicit meaning; connotation
to all intents and purposes
for all practical purposes; virtually

adjective

firmly fixed; determined; concentrated
an intent look
postpositive; usually foll by on or upon having the fixed intention (of); directing one's mind or energy (to)
intent on committing a crime

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Derived Forms

inˈtentness, noun
inˈtently, adverb

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Other Words From

in·tent·ly adverb
in·tent·ness noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of intent¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Late Latin intentus “an aim, purpose,” from Latin intentus “a stretching out,” equivalent to inten(dere) + -tus suffix of verbal action; replacing Middle English entent(e), from Old French, from Late Latin, as above; intend

Origin of intent²

First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin intentus “taut, intent,” past participle of intendere “to aim at” ( intend ); intense

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Word History and Origins

Origin of intent¹

C13 (in the sense: intention): from Late Latin intentus aim, intent, from Latin: a stretching out; see intend

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Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

to / for all intents and purposes, for all practical purposes; practically speaking; virtually:
The book is, to all intents and purposes, a duplication of earlier efforts.

More idioms and phrases containing intent

see to all intents and purposes .

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Synonym Study

See intention.

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Example Sentences

Sturgeon recently announced on behalf of them both that their marriage had ended and that, to all intents and purposes, they had been separated for some time.

From BBC

In July, she entered a plea deal for one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

From Los Angeles Times

But with the Trump administration intent on upending the existing immigration system, leaders of California-based farming groups said the timing may be right for getting a comprehensive immigration measure passed.

From Los Angeles Times

They risk prison terms between eight and 25 years if convicted on the charge of "homicide with possible intent".

From BBC

Hezbollah’s opponents are intent on defanging the Iran-backed group once considered one of the world’s top paramilitary factions and Lebanon’s most powerful political party.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

intensive care unit intention

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