# intention

/ˌɪnˈtɛntʃən/ (US) · /ɪntˈɛnʃən/ (UK)

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

## Senses

### 1. a plan or aim

noun · CEFR B1

something that you want and plan to do.

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

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

### 2. wound healing

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

the way a cut or injury heals over time.

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

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

## Examples

- I have no intention of moving to another city.
- The doctor explained the treatment plan with the intention of making the patient feel more comfortable.
- While the law often focuses on the outcome of an event, the legal system must also consider the original intention of the parties involved in the contract.

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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.