Intentional
/ɪnˈtɛnʃənəl/
Definitions
Done or made with intention; deliberate.
/ɪnˈtɛnʃənəl/
Done on purpose or deliberately
His silence was intentional, a strategic move to gather information.
💡 Simply: If something is intentional, it means you did it on purpose, not by accident. Like when you intentionally wave to someone you know.
👶 For kids: When you do something on purpose, that's intentional!
More Examples
The artist's intentional use of bold colors created a strong visual impact.
The company's intentional price increase was meant to offset rising production costs.
How It's Used
"The prosecution argued the act was intentional and premeditated."
"She made an intentional effort to learn the new software."
Idioms & expressions
intentional tort
A wrongful act committed deliberately against another person or their property.
"In law, an intentional tort requires proof of a deliberate action, not negligence."
intentional homicide
The unlawful killing of a human being with intent
"The jury found the defendant guilty of intentional homicide."
From Late Latin *intentionālis*, from Latin *intentio* ('a stretching out, purpose'), from *intendere* ('to aim at, direct').
The term 'intentional' has been in use since the 17th century, originating in legal and philosophical contexts to describe acts of will or purpose.
Memory tip
Think of 'intend' – if you intend something, it's intentional.