intent Definition
- 1a plan or purpose
- 2the state of mind with which an act is done
Using intent: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "intent" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Her intent was to finish the project by the end of the week.
Example
The suspect's intent was to rob the bank.
Example
I had no intent to offend anyone with my comments.
Example
The defendant's intent was to cause harm to the victim.
intent Synonyms and Antonyms
Antonyms for intent
Idioms Using intent
people often mean well but fail to do what they intended to do
Example
She wanted to help her friend but ended up causing more harm than good. The road to hell is paved with good intentions.
Example
I think he has designs on taking over the company.
Example
We had everything planned out perfectly, but the best-laid plans often go awry.
Phrases with intent
Example
He drove his car into the wall with intent to cause damage.
Example
The prosecutor must prove that the defendant had criminal intent in order to secure a conviction.
Example
Although her actions caused harm, she had good intent and meant well.
Origins of intent
from Latin 'intentus', meaning 'a stretching out'
Summary: intent in Brief
The term 'intent' [ɪnˈtɛnt] refers to a plan or purpose, or the state of mind with which an act is done. It can be used to describe anything from a person's goals to their motivations. Examples include 'Her intent was to finish the project by the end of the week,' and 'The defendant's intent was to cause harm to the victim.' Idioms like 'the road to hell is paved with good intentions' warn against the dangers of good intentions gone wrong.