/ ɪnˈtent; NAmE / adjective , noun
■ adjective
1.
showing strong interest and attention :
an intent gaze / look
His eyes were suddenly intent.
2.
intent on / upon sth | intent on / upon doing sth ( formal ) determined to do sth, especially sth that will harm other people :
They were intent on murder.
Are you intent upon destroying my reputation?
3.
intent on / upon sth giving all your attention to sth :
I was so intent on my work that I didn't notice the time.
► in·tent·ly adverb :
She looked at him intently.
■ noun
[ U ] ~ (to do sth) ( formal or law ) what you intend to do
SYN intention :
She denies possessing the drug with intent to supply.
a letter / statement of intent
His intent is clearly not to placate his critics.
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IDIOMS
- to all intents and purposes
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French entent , entente , based on Latin intendere intend, extend, direct, from in- towards + tendere stretch, tend. The adjective is from Latin intentus , past participle of intendere .