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REFERENCE

intend

v.
US //ˌɪnˈtɛnd// UK //ɪntˈɛnd// in·tend
  1. 1 to plan or purpose (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to have a plan or a goal in your mind to do something.

    to have a specific purpose or plan in mind; to resolve to perform an action.

    Example

    I intend to finish my report before the weekend starts.

    Example

    The developers intend to renovate the historic warehouse, transforming it into a modern community hub while preserving its original facade.

    Usage

    Commonly followed by a 'to' infinitive or a 'that' clause.

    Pitfall
    I intend doing it tomorrow.
    I intend to do it tomorrow.

    While 'intend doing' is occasionally used, 'intend to do' is the standard and most common pattern for this verb.

  2. 2 to design for a purpose (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to plan for something to be used by a specific person or for a specific reason.

    to design, destine, or reserve something for a particular purpose or recipient.

    Example

    This book was intended for children, but many adults enjoy it too.

    Example

    The scholarship was originally intended for students from low-income backgrounds, though the criteria have recently been expanded to include first-generation applicants.

    Usage

    Often used in the passive voice with 'for'.

Origin

From Middle English intenden, entenden (“direct (one’s) attention towards”), borrowed from Old French entendre, from Latin intendō, intendere. See also intensive. Doublet of entendre. Largely displaced native Old English myntan (“to mean, intend; to think, suppose”), whence dialectal mint.

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