intend Hear it!

intend Definition

in·tend (in tend′)

transitive verb

  1. to have in mind as a purpose; plan
  2. to mean (something) to be or be used (for); design; destine a cake intended for the party
  3. to mean or signify
  4. Archaic to direct or turn (the mind, eyes, thoughts, etc.)
  5. Law to construe or interpret legally

Etymology: ME entenden < OFr entendre < L intendere, to stretch out for, aim at < in-, in, at + tendere, to stretch: see thin

intransitive verb

to have a purpose or intention

intend Related Forms
in·tend′er noun
intend Synonyms

intend

v.

  1. To have in mind as a purpose

    propose, plan, purpose, aim, expect, mean, be resolved to, be determined to, aspire to, have in view, hope to, contemplate, think, aim at, take into one's head; see also resolve 1.

  2. To destine for

    design, mean, devote to, reserve, appoint, purpose, set apart, aim at, aim for, have in view; see also assign 1, dedicate 2, designate 1.

  3. To mean

    indicate, signify, denote; see mean 1.

intend implies a having in mind of something to be done, said, etc. I intended to write you; mean, a more general word, does not connote so clearly a specific, deliberate purpose he always means well; design suggests careful planning in order to bring about a particular result their delay was designed to forestall suspicion; propose implies a clear declaration, openly or to oneself, of one's intention I propose to speak for an hour; purpose adds to propose a connotation of strong determination to effect one's intention he purposes to become a doctor

intend Usage Examples

Object

  • pun: Results of the project Staff have observed that parents have gained a taste for learning ( no pun intended!
  • recipient: If you are not the intended recipient please delete it from your system and notify the sender.
  • outcome: Educational software will be useful provided its intended learning outcomes are in keeping with those outlined in section 3 above.
  • beneficiary: What legal remedies, if any, are available to the intended beneficiaries of an incompletely constituted trust?
  • audience: Soulkeepers is written in an uncomplicated, yet capable, style that keeps its intended audience firmly in mind.

Preposition: for

  • consumption: Do not use on horses intended for human consumption.
  • adviser: This information is intended for advisers conducting sex discrimination and equal pay cases in England and Wales.
  • purpose: They are intended for any purpose to assist with the costs of developing professional practice.
  • publication: This part then has two major chapters; the first deals with formats intended for print publication, and the second covers network format.

Infinitive complement

  • replace: However the panel does not intend to replace the existing investigative mechanisms already in place in all Universities.
  • assist: The course is aimed at those with basic advocacy skills and experience, and is intended to assist in developing those skills.
  • continue: APU intends to continue with LibQUAL+ every 2 years.
  • apply: How do you intend to apply the learning from the course?
  • help: This note is intended to help the debate on what the brief for such an alternative should be.
  • pursue: The course will be of direct interest to students intending to pursue careers in British conservation management or international conservation programs.

Preposition: as

  • guide: Please note the list is NOT an authorative statement of law and is intended as a rough guide only.
  • substitute: The information in these forums are not intended as a substitute for the proper medical care of patients.
  • introduction: This publication presents information on raising vegetable and ornamental plugs and transplants, but it is not intended as an introduction to the subject.
  • guideline: ANNUAL INCOME The annual income section is intended as a guideline only.
  • insult: So although intended as an insult, it's a compliment!
intend Quotes

I do not intend to prejudge the past.

—Whitelaw,William Stephen Ian, 1st Viscount