intent

 
Pronunciation: /ɪnˈtɛnt/

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