adj
Very common
intended
ihn-TEHN-dihd
Intended (adj) means Planned or meant to happen, rather than accidental. Example: “The email reached its intended reader without any delay.”
adj
1
Planned or meant to happen, rather than accidental.
"The email reached its intended reader without any delay."
"The joke didn't have its intended effect."
"This gift is intended for my sister, not you."
noun
1
Informal term for one's fiancé or fiancée.
"The vicar asked the groom whether his intended was ready."
"She wrote to her intended every day while he was away at sea."
"He proudly introduced Sarah as his intended."
How to use intended
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMeant on purpose, or (older/playful use) one's husband- or wife-to-be.
When to use it
The "fiancé" sense is old-fashioned or playful, not standard modern usage.
Common pairings
intended effect
intended audience
as intended
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Word forms
- Plural
- intendeds
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The email reached its _____ reader without any delay.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for intended
ended
bended
blended
amended
defended
extended
attended
expended
pretended
distended
suspended
unattended
See all rhymes for intended →
Frequently asked questions
What does “intended” mean?
The word “intended” means planned or meant to happen, rather than accidental. In plain terms, meant on purpose, or (older/playful use) one's husband- or wife-to-be.
How do you pronounce “intended”?
“Intended” is pronounced ihn-TEHN-dihd (/ɪnˈtɛndɪd/ in IPA).
How do you use “intended” in a sentence?
Here is “intended” used in a sentence: “The joke didn't have its intended effect.”
What is the opposite of “intended”?
The opposite of “intended” — its antonyms — is unintended.
What part of speech is “intended”?
Depending on how it is used, “intended” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “intended” a common word?
“Intended” is a very common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “intended” have?
“Intended” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: planned or meant to happen, rather than accidental.
What is the difference between intended and unintended?
Intended means planned or meant to happen; unintended means happening by accident, without being planned. A speech's intended effect might be to inspire, while an unintended effect could be confusion. The two are opposites, marking the line between what someone aimed for and what merely occurred.
What is the difference between intended and intentional?
They overlap but differ in focus. 'Intended' points to what was meant or aimed at — the intended result. 'Intentional' stresses that an act was done deliberately, on purpose — an intentional act. One describes the goal in mind, the other the deliberate nature of the deed.
What is an example of 'intended' in a sentence?
'This message was intended for you' means the message was meant for you specifically, not sent by mistake. Other examples include 'the medicine is intended for adults' and 'the joke was intended as a compliment,' each showing what was planned or meant rather than accidental.
Does 'intended' have an old-fashioned meaning?
Yes. Used as a noun, 'one's intended' is a dated, slightly formal term for the person you are engaged to marry — your husband- or wife-to-be. Though rarely heard today, you may still meet it in older novels, as in 'he introduced his intended.'
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