I. ə̇n.ˈtent noun
( -s )
Etymology: alteration (influenced by Latin in- in- (II)) of Middle English entent, entente; Middle English entent, from Old French, from Late Latin intentus aim, purpose, intent, from Latin, act of stretching out, from intentus, past participle of intendere to stretch out, intend; Middle English entente, from Old French, from Latin intentus (past participle) — more at intend
1.
a.
(1) : the act, fact, or an instance of intending : purpose , design
suspect him of hostile intent — S.M.Crothers
came with intent to kill
(2) : the design or purpose to commit any wrongful or criminal act that is the natural and probable consequence of other voluntary acts or conduct
(3) : the state of mind or mental attitude with which an act is done : volition
b. : an end or object proposed : aim
used his leisure time to good intent
2.
a. : meaning , purport , import , significance
paraphrase in speech the intent of the communication — Edward Sapir
specifically : intendment 2b
b. : the connotation of a term
Synonyms: see intention
•
- to all intents and purposes
II. adjective
Etymology: Latin intentus, from past participle of intendere to stretch forth
1. : directed with strained or eager attention : concentrated , earnest , intense
a gaze so intent that the girl flushed a little — P.B.Kyne
his face was intent as he examined each picture — Lyle Saxon
2.
a.
(1) : having the mind or attention closely or fixedly directed on something : preoccupied , engrossed
the two men, intent on their figures, did not notice — Sherwood Anderson
still too intent upon his own thoughts — W.M.Thackeray
so intent on this fantastic … narrative that she had hardly stirred — Walter de la Mare
(2) : reflecting or evidencing strained or concentrated attention or preoccupation
her forehead was painfully anxious and intent as she gave this evidence — Charles Dickens
b. : having the mind or will concentrated on some end or purpose : determined , resolved, bent
a selfish interest intent upon privilege for itself — H.J.Laski
intent upon making his way in the corporation — Lee Rogow
intent that we should have a week of climbing — E.A.Weeks