Intent

How to spell intent

6 letters · 2 syllables

How to pronounce intent

Say the part in capitals loudest.

What does intent mean?

1. nounA clear purpose or aim behind an action.
2. adjectiveShowing earnest, concentrated attention or determination.

Intent in a sentence

• noun

  The contract states the original intent of both parties.

• adjective

  He was so intent on finishing the report that he forgot lunch.

• noun

  The court had to determine the driver's intent at the time of the crash.

• adjective

  The children watched the magician with intent curiosity.

Where does intent come from?

Language of origin: Latin

Intent traces back to the Latin verb intendere, which literally meant 'to stretch toward' or 'to direct one's attention', built from the prefix in- 'toward' and tendere 'to stretch'. The Romans used the related noun intentio for a stretching of the mind toward something, that is, a purpose or aim. English took the word in through Old French entent during the 1200s, originally meaning a plan or design held in the mind. The same tendere root quietly powers a whole family of English words, including tension, attend, extend, and tent, all of which involve stretching or straining in some way. Knowing that the ending is tent (as in a stretched-out canvas tent) rather than 'tend' helps keep the final spelling steady.

How the word is built

• in- (toward)
• tent (from Latin tendere: to stretch, to aim)