intend

The word “intend” means to have a plan or purpose in mind to do something. In plain terms, to plan or mean to do something.

“Intend” is pronounced ihn-TEHND (/ɪnˈtɛnd/ in IPA).

Here is “intend” used in a sentence: “We intend to visit Japan next spring.”

“Intend” is a verb.

The word “intend” comes from Latin. From Old French entendre, from Latin intendere, "to stretch toward, direct one's attention" (in-, "toward" + tendere, "to stretch").

“Intend” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

Both are grammatical: 'I intend to leave early' and 'I intend leaving early'. The infinitive pattern 'intend to do' is far more common in both British and American English, so it is the safer choice in writing. The meaning is the same in either pattern.

To intend something is to have a purpose in mind, while to plan usually implies working out the practical steps as well. You can intend to travel more without having planned anything; once you book the flights, you have a plan. Intend is also slightly more formal.

In the sense of purpose, they overlap: 'I didn't mean to upset you' and 'I didn't intend to upset you' are both natural. Mean is the everyday word in speech, especially in apologies, while intend is more formal and common in careful or legal writing.

Both nouns relate to intend. Intention is the everyday word for a plan or purpose, as in 'she has no intention of resigning', while intent is more formal or legal, as in 'criminal intent' or 'with intent to deceive'. In most ordinary contexts, intention is the natural choice.