intent
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the thing you plan to do or achieve; your aim.
n.the objective or purpose behind an action. Often uncountable when referring to general aim.
Simple“It was never my intent to hurt your feelings with that comment.”
In context“The government's stated intent was to reduce carbon emissions by forty percent over the next decade, though critics questioned the lack of a concrete roadmap.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
n.the state of a person's mind when they commit a crime.
n.the mental state of a person at the time of committing an offence, which determines the degree of culpability.
Simple“The jury had to decide if the driver had the intent to cause harm.”
In context“To secure a conviction for first-degree murder, the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant acted with specific intent and premeditation.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.giving all your attention to something because you are very interested or determined.
adj.showing earnest and eager attention; firmly resolved on a specific course of action.
Simple“She was so intent on her book that she didn't hear me enter.”
In context“The researchers remained intent on their observations, refusing to leave the laboratory until the final data points had been recorded and verified.”
Usageusually followed by the preposition 'on'
SynonymsAntonyms
“Davis was charged in Nevada’s Clark County on Monday with a single count of murder using a deadly weapon and with the intent to promote, further or assist a criminal gang.”
“One of the intents of government is to use electronic tagging to monitor offenders in the community.”
Existing since Middle English entente, from Old French entent or entente, ultimately from Latin intentus. Modified later in spelling to align more closely with the Latin word. Compare intention.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.