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intent definition

in·tent (in tent′; for n., also in′tent′)

adjective

  1. firmly directed or fixed; earnest; intense an intent look
    1. having the mind or attention firmly directed or fixed; engrossed intent on his studies
    2. strongly resolved intent on going

Etymology: L intentus, pp. of intendere: see intend

noun

  1. an act or instance of intending
  2. something intended; specif.,
    1. a purpose; object; aim
    2. meaning or import
  3. Law one's mental attitude, including purpose, will, determination, etc., at the time of doing an act

Etymology: ME entente, intente < OFr entente & ML intentus, both < L intentus, a stretching out < intendere: see intend

Related Forms:

intent Idioms

to all intents and purposes

in almost every respect; practically; virtually

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alternate definitions:

idioms intent idiom

law intent definition - legal

intent Synonyms

intent

modif.

  1. Absorbed

    engrossed, attentive, concentrating; see enthusiastic 1, rapt 2.

  2. Resolved; used with ""on''

    determined, set, bent, committed; see resolute 2.


intent

n.

purpose, intention, plan; see purpose 1.

to all intents and purposes

in almost every respect, practically, virtually; see almost. See syn. study at purpose.


Webster's New World Roget's A-Z Thesaurus Copyright © 1999 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

intent Usage Examples

Preposition: that

  • recipient: Most obvious is the intent that the recipient understands who is invited.

Converse of object

  • seem: Her entire crazy family seems intent on driving her mad.

Adjective modifier

  • malicious: There's no evidence of malicious intent here, it's all assumed.

Preposition: on

  • revenge: But intent on revenge, the Darkwing plots to destroy their powerful Empire in his quest for survival.

Used with adjective complement

  • seem: Indeed, Morris seems particularly intent to depict casual coupling with a variety of gender variations.

Noun used with modifier

  • rendering: Need to watch rendering intents, but I get very few problems.

Possessives

  • commander: This intensity, based on the commander's stated intent, will be maintained throughout the crisis.

Preposition: of

  • commander: The intent of the commander drives target selection and battle plan of counter-C2.
intent usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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MLA Style

"intent." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/intent>

APA Style

intent. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/intent

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