# intentionally

/ˌɪnˈtɛnʃənəɫi/ (US) · /ɪntˈɛnʃənəli/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Adverb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/intentionally
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

on purpose. You use this when someone does something because they planned to do it, not by accident.

For teachers: done in a deliberate or purposeful manner. Often used to assign responsibility or agency to an action.

## Examples

- He intentionally left his phone at home.
- The lawyer argued that the defendant intentionally damaged the property to collect the insurance money.
- While some errors in the manuscript were accidental, the author intentionally omitted certain controversial details to avoid legal repercussions from the estate.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He did it intentional" but "He did it intentionally" — Learners often use the adjective form 'intentional' when an adverb is required to modify the verb.

## Usage notes

- Typically placed before the main verb or at the end of the clause.

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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.