intention
ihn-TEHNSHN
Intention (noun) means a plan or aim that guides what someone does. Example: “Her intention was to finish the project before the deadline.”
noun
1
A plan or aim that guides what someone does.
"Her intention was to finish the project before the deadline."
"He moved to the city with the intention of starting a business."
"I had no intention of leaving early, but the traffic forced me to."
How to use intention
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhat someone plans or means to do.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
good intentions
with the intention of
stated intention
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Word forms
- Plural
- intentions
- Third person singular
- intentions
- Past tense
- intentioned
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Her _____ was to finish the project before the deadline.
Etymology
From Latin intentio, "a stretching, straining, or aiming," from intendere, "to stretch toward."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for intention
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for intention →
Frequently asked questions
What does “intention” mean?
The word “intention” means a plan or aim that guides what someone does. In plain terms, what someone plans or means to do.
How do you pronounce “intention”?
“Intention” is pronounced ihn-TEHNSHN (/ɪnˈtɛnʃn̩/ in IPA).
How do you use “intention” in a sentence?
Here is “intention” used in a sentence: “Her intention was to finish the project before the deadline.”
What is another word for “intention”?
Words with a similar meaning to “intention” include aim, ambition, drive, goal, intent and plan.
What is the opposite of “intention”?
The opposite of “intention” — its antonyms — is chance.
What part of speech is “intention”?
“Intention” is a noun.
Where does the word “intention” come from?
The word “intention” comes from Latin. From Latin intentio, "a stretching, straining, or aiming," from intendere, "to stretch toward.".
Is “intention” a common word?
“Intention” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between 'intention' and 'intent'?
Both mean a plan or aim, but 'intent' is more formal and common in legal or serious contexts, as in 'criminal intent,' while 'intention' is the everyday word for what someone means to do. 'Intent' can also work as an adjective meaning focused.
What is the difference between 'intention' and 'goal'?
An intention is what you mean or plan to do, while a goal is the specific result you are aiming to achieve. You can have the intention of exercising, but your goal might be to run a marathon.
How do you use 'with the intention of'?
The phrase 'with the intention of' is followed by an -ing verb, as in 'She called with the intention of apologising.' It explains the purpose or aim behind an action.
What is the plural of 'intention'?
The plural is 'intentions,' as in the common phrase 'good intentions.' It can refer to more than one aim or, often, to a person's overall attitude toward how they treat others.
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