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intent

Pronunciation: /ɪnˈtɛnt/
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Definition of intent

noun

[mass noun]
  • intention or purpose:with alarm she realized his intent [count noun]:a real intent to cut back on social programmes

adjective

  • 1 (intent on/upon) determined to do (something):the government was intent on achieving greater efficiency
  • attentively occupied with:Gill was intent on her gardening magazine
  • 2(of a look or expression) showing earnest and eager attention:a curiously intent look on her face

Phrases

to all intents and purposes

in all important respects:a man who was to all intents and purposes illiterate

with intent

Law with the intention of committing a crime:he denied arson with intent to endanger life

Derivatives

intentness

noun

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French entent, entente, based on Latin intendere (see intend). The adjective is from Latin intentus, past participle of intendere

intent in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of intent in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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