# intent

/ˌɪnˈtɛnt/ (US) · /ɪntˈɛnt/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/intent
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. purpose or goal

noun · CEFR B2

the thing you plan to do or achieve; your aim.

For teachers: the objective or purpose behind an action. Often uncountable when referring to general aim.

- It was never my intent to hurt your feelings with that comment.
- 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.

### 2. legal state of mind

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

the state of a person's mind when they commit a crime.

For teachers: the mental state of a person at the time of committing an offence, which determines the degree of culpability.

- The jury had to decide if the driver had the intent to cause harm.
- 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.

### 3. focused or determined

adjective · CEFR B2

giving all your attention to something because you are very interested or determined.

For teachers: showing earnest and eager attention; firmly resolved on a specific course of action.

- She was so intent on her book that she didn't hear me enter.
- The researchers remained intent on their observations, refusing to leave the laboratory until the final data points had been recorded and verified.

Usage: usually followed by the preposition 'on'

## Examples

- He had no intent to cause any harm.
- The prosecution must prove that the defendant had the specific intent to commit the crime rather than acting out of negligence.
- While the physical evidence was clear, the jury struggled to determine the defendant's actual intent, which was the deciding factor between a charge of manslaughter and one of murder.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.