intent 1
/in tent"/ , n.
1. something that is intended; purpose; design; intention: The original intent of the committee was to raise funds.
2. the act or fact of intending, as to do something: criminal intent.
3. Law. the state of a person's mind that directs his or her actions toward a specific object.
4. meaning or significance.
5. to or for all intents and purposes , for all practical purposes; practically speaking; virtually: The book is, to all intents and purposes, a duplication of earlier efforts.
[ 1175-1225; ME intentus an aim, purpose, L: a stretching out ( inten ( dere ) to INTEND + -tus suffix of v. action); r. ME entent ( e ) ]
Syn. 1. See intention. 2. aim, plan, plot.
intent 2
— intently , adv. — intentness , n.
/in tent"/ , adj.
1. firmly or steadfastly fixed or directed, as the eyes or mind: an intent gaze.
2. having the attention sharply focused or fixed on something: intent on one's job.
3. determined or resolved; having the mind or will fixed on some goal: intent on revenge.
4. earnest; intense: an intent person.
[ 1600-10; intentus taut, intent, ptp. of intendere to INTEND; cf. INTENSE ]
Syn. 1, 2. concentrated. 3. resolute, set.
Ant. 3. irresolute.