intention
Intention (noun) means a plan or aim that guides what someone does. Example: “Her intention was to finish the project before the deadline.”
How to use intention
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishWhat someone plans or means to do.
Word forms
intentioned past tense, intentions plural, intentions singular
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
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Related words
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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