Dictionary

1intent

noun in·tent \in-ˈtent\

: the thing that you plan to do or achieve : an aim or purpose

Full Definition of INTENT

1
a :  the act or fact of intending :  purpose; especially :  the design or purpose to commit a wrongful or criminal act <admitted wounding him with intent>
b :  the state of mind with which an act is done :  volition
2
:  a usually clearly formulated or planned intention :  aim <the director's intent>
3
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Origin of INTENT

Middle English entente, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin intentus, from Latin, act of stretching out, from intendere
First Known Use: 13th century

Synonym Discussion of INTENT

intention, intent, purpose, design, aim, end, object, objective, goal mean what one intends to accomplish or attain. intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about <announced his intention to marry>. intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness <the clear intent of the statute>. purpose suggests a more settled determination <being successful was her purpose in life>. design implies a more carefully calculated plan <the order of events came by accident, not design>. aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing <her aim was to raise film to an art form>. end stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such <willing to use any means to achieve his end>. object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need <his constant object was the achievement of pleasure>. objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable <their objective is to seize the oil fields>. goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship <worked years to reach her goals>.

2intent

adjective

: showing concentration or great attention

Full Definition of INTENT

1
:  directed with strained or eager attention :  concentrated
2
:  having the mind, attention, or will concentrated on something or some end or purpose <intent on their work>
in·tent·ly adverb
in·tent·ness noun

Origin of INTENT

Latin intentus, from past participle of intendere
First Known Use: 14th century
INTENTNESS Defined for Kids

1intent

noun in·tent \in-ˈtent\

Definition of INTENT for Kids

1
:  what someone plans to do or accomplish :  purpose <Upsetting her was not my intent.>
2
:  meaning 2 <What is the author's intent?>

2intent

adjective

Definition of INTENT for Kids

1
:  showing concentration or great attention <an intent gaze>
2
:  showing great determination <They were intent on going.>
in·tent·ly adverb <I listened intently.>

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