English Reference
noun

intention

n.
US /ˌɪnˈtɛntʃən/ UK /ɪntˈɛnʃən/ in·ten·tion UK spelling intentions

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    something that you want and plan to do.

    a course of action that an agent intends to follow; a mental aim or objective.

    Simple

    He went to the library with the intention of finishing his essay before dinner.

    In context

    The government announced the new policy with the clear intention of reducing carbon emissions by the end of the decade.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrase 'with the intention of' followed by a gerund.

    Pitfall
    I have the intention to go. I have the intention of going.

    The noun 'intention' is usually followed by 'of' and a gerund (-ing form), rather than an infinitive.

  2. 02 C2 Proficiency Technical Medicine

    the way a cut or injury heals over time.

    the process by which a wound heals, categorized by whether the edges are joined directly or left to fill with tissue.

    Simple

    The doctor explained that the deep cut would have to heal by secondary intention.

    In context

    Surgical wounds that are closed with sutures are said to heal by primary intention, which typically results in minimal scarring.

    Usage

    Usually appears in the phrases 'primary intention' or 'secondary intention'.


From Middle English entencioun, intention, from Old French entencion, from Latin intentiō, intentiōnem. Compare intent. Equivalent to intent + -ion.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Latin intentio
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated