Intention
/ɪnˈtɛnʃən/
Definitions
2 meaningsA plan or aim; something that you want or plan to do.
/ɪnˈtɛnʃən/
A thing that you plan to do or achieve.
My intention is to visit Paris next year.
💡 Simply: It's like a goal you set for yourself, something you really want to do. Like, your intention might be to eat a healthy breakfast or to finish your homework.
👶 For kids: A plan to do something. It's like what you want to happen.
More Examples
She had good intentions, but the project failed.
He stated his intention to retire early.
How It's Used
"Her intention was to study abroad."
"The prosecution must prove the defendant's intent to commit the crime."
The state of mind in which one has a plan to do something or the act of planning.
/ɪnˈtɛnʃən/
The act or fact of intending something; purpose.
His intention was pure, even if the outcome was not.
💡 Simply: It's the feeling of wanting to do something or the act of deciding to do it. Like the 'wanting' part before you actually do it, like when you intend to clean your room.
👶 For kids: It's the thinking you do before you do something, like deciding what game to play.
More Examples
The artist's intention was to evoke a feeling of nostalgia.
The law focuses on the intention of the person committing the action.
How It's Used
"The nature of human intention is a key topic in ethics."
"The study investigated the relationship between intention and behavior."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
with good intentions
Having good motives, even if the result is not positive.
"She helped him with good intentions, but she actually made the problem worse."
have every intention of
To be determined to do something.
"I have every intention of finishing the project this week."
From Middle English entencion, from Old French entencion (12th c.), from Latin intentio (“a stretching out, straining; intent, purpose”), from intendō (“I stretch out, aim”).
The word 'intention' has been used since the late 12th century in English texts, originally referring to a stretching out or a straining, and then evolving to denote purpose or design.
Memory tip
Imagine "in-tension" - you're straining to achieve your goal.