noun
intent
ihn-TEHNT
noun
1
A plan or purpose behind an action.
"The court had to determine the intent behind his actions."
"It was clear from her tone that her intent was to help, not criticize."
adj
1
Firmly focused or determined on something.
"She was intent on finishing the marathon, no matter how tired she felt."
How to Use Intent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the purpose behind an act, or being firmly determined/focused on something.
Common pairings
criminal intent
intent on
good intent
Word Forms
more intent comparative, intents plural, most intent superlative
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Etymology
From Old French entent, ultimately from Latin intentus, "stretched, strained, attentive."