First Known Use: 13th century
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
3
a : meaning, significance b : connotation 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
Related to INTENT
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>.
Rhymes with INTENT
absent, accent, Advent, anent, ascent, assent, augment, besprent, cement, comment, consent, content, convent, descent, detent, dissent, docent, event, extent, ferment, foment, fragment, frequent, hell-bent, indent, invent, lament, loment, low-rent, mordent, outspent, percent, pigment, portent, present, prevent, pup tent, quitrent, rack-rent, relent, repent, resent, segment, Shymkent, Tashkent, torment, well-meant, wisent
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
See intent defined for English-language learners
Origin of INTENT
Latin intentus, from past participle of intendere
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to INTENT
- Synonyms
- bent (on or upon), bound, decisive, do-or-die, firm, hell-bent (on or upon), determined, out, purposeful, resolute, resolved, set, single-minded
- Antonyms
- faltering, hesitant, indecisive, irresolute, undetermined, unresolved, vacillating, wavering, weak-kneed
INTENT 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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