n.
Pronunciation: in- ' ten(t)-sh ə n
Function: noun
Date: 14th century
1 : a determination to act in a certain way : RESOLVE
2 : IMPORT , SIGNIFICANCE
3 a : what one intends to do or bring about b : the object for which a prayer, mass, or pious act is offered
4 : a process or manner of healing of incised wounds
5 : CONCEPT especially : a concept considered as the product of attention directed to an object of knowledge
6 plural : purpose with respect to marriage
synonyms INTENTION , INTENT , PURPOSE , DESIGN , AIM , END , OBJECT , OBJECTIVE , GOAL mean what one intends to accomplish or attain. INTENTION implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about <announced his intention to marry>. INTENT suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness <the clear intent of the statute>. PURPOSE suggests a more settled determination <being successful was her purpose in life>. DESIGN implies a more carefully calculated plan <the order of events came by accident, not design >. AIM adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing <her aim was to raise film to an art form>. END stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such <willing to use any means to achieve his end >. OBJECT may equal END but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need <his constant object was the achievement of pleasure>. OBJECTIVE implies something tangible and immediately attainable <their objective is to seize the oil fields>. GOAL suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship <worked years to reach her goals >.