Intent
/ɪnˈtent/
Definitions
2 meaningsA purpose or plan.
/ɪnˈtent/
A planned or desired outcome.
Her intent to learn French was evident in her daily study schedule.
💡 Simply: It's like what you really want to happen or what you're trying to do. Like, "My intent is to eat all the cookies!"
👶 For kids: What you want to do or what you are planning to do.
More Examples
The company's intent is to expand its operations globally.
Despite his good intent, he often made mistakes.
How It's Used
"The prosecution must prove the defendant's intent to commit the crime."
"Her intent was to finish the marathon."
Concentration or focus.
/ɪnˈtent/
The act of focusing one's mind or attention.
She listened with intent to every word the teacher said.
💡 Simply: It's how hard you're focusing on something, like when you're super into a video game.
👶 For kids: When you are really thinking about something.
More Examples
His eyes were fixed on the task with intense intent.
The photographer captured the child's intent gaze.
How It's Used
"The poet's intent was to portray the beauty of nature."
"The therapeutic sessions focus on the patient's intent to heal."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
good intentions
Plans or desires to do good things, often not carried out.
"He had good intentions to help, but he was too busy."
with intent
Having a specific purpose or aim.
"He damaged the property with intent."
From Middle English *entent*, from Old French *entente* ('attention, purpose'), from Latin *intendere* ('to stretch out, aim at').
Originally meant 'attention' or 'purpose', gradually evolving to denote a planned course of action.
Memory tip
Think of 'in' and 'tent': Your plan is 'in' the 'tent' of your mind.
Word Origin
"to stretch out, aim at"