intentionally
ihn-TEHN-shuh-nuh-lee
Intentionally (adv) means On purpose; deliberately. Example: “He intentionally left the door unlocked for her.”
adv
1
On purpose; deliberately.
"The body design has been carried out to the requirements of the B.T.C. Design Panel in association with the Design Research Unit and its lines are described as "intentionally unelaborate"."
— , The 2,500 h.p. electric locomotives for the Kent Coast electrification (1959)
"He intentionally left the door unlocked for her."
"I didn't break the vase intentionally; my sleeve caught it by accident."
"She intentionally arrived early to get the best seat."
"Today, no one would intentionally smear radioactive materials on their face, but in 1933, the dangers of radioactivity were not yet fully understood."
— Jacopo Prisco, When beauty products were radioactive (2020)
How to use intentionally
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDone on purpose, not by chance.
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more intentionally
- Superlative
- most intentionally
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He _____ left the door unlocked for her.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for intentionally
See all rhymes for intentionally →Frequently asked questions
What does “intentionally” mean?
The word “intentionally” means on purpose; deliberately. In plain terms, done on purpose, not by chance.
How do you pronounce “intentionally”?
“Intentionally” is pronounced ihn-TEHN-shuh-nuh-lee (/ɪnˈtɛn(t)ʃənəli/ in IPA).
How do you use “intentionally” in a sentence?
Here is “intentionally” used in a sentence: “He intentionally left the door unlocked for her.”
What part of speech is “intentionally”?
“Intentionally” is an adverb.
Is “intentionally” a common word?
“Intentionally” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "intentionally" and "accidentally"?
Intentionally describes an action done on purpose, with awareness and intent, while accidentally describes something that happens unexpectedly or without meaning to. The distinction is important in everyday speech and especially in legal contexts, where whether an act was intentional can determine the severity of a consequence.
Is "intentionally" the same as "deliberately"?
Yes, intentionally and deliberately are near-synonyms and are often used interchangeably to mean something done on purpose. Deliberately can sometimes suggest more forethought or planning behind the action.
Where does "intentionally" typically appear in a sentence?
As an adverb, intentionally usually modifies a verb and can appear before or after it, as in "she intentionally avoided the topic" or "he left the door open intentionally." Placement often shifts for emphasis, with the end position giving the word more weight.
