intent
Intent (noun) means a plan or purpose behind an action. Example: “The court had to determine the intent behind his actions.”
How to use intent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the purpose behind an act, or being firmly determined/focused on something.
Word forms
more intent comparative, intents plural, most intent superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The court had to determine the _____ behind his actions.
Etymology
From Old French entent, ultimately from Latin intentus, "stretched, strained, attentive."
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “intent” mean?
The word “intent” means a plan or purpose behind an action. In plain terms, either the purpose behind an act, or being firmly determined/focused on something.
How do you pronounce “intent”?
“Intent” is pronounced ihn-TEHNT (/ɪnˈtɛnt/ in IPA).
How do you use “intent” in a sentence?
Here is “intent” used in a sentence: “The court had to determine the intent behind his actions.”
What part of speech is “intent”?
Depending on how it is used, “intent” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “intent” come from?
The word “intent” comes from Latin. From Old French entent, ultimately from Latin intentus, "stretched, strained, attentive.".
Is “intent” a common word?
“Intent” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “intent” have?
“Intent” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a plan or purpose behind an action.
What is the difference between "intent" and "intention"?
Both refer to the plan or purpose behind an action and overlap in meaning, but "intent" is more formal and common in legal or fixed phrases such as "criminal intent" or "with intent to defraud." "Intention" is the more everyday word for what someone means to do.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include intent: