a plan or purpose, the state of mind with which an act is done

the road to hell is paved with good intentions, have designs on something, the best-laid plans

with intent, criminal intent, good intent

Formal and Informal Expressions of intent

In different contexts, you can replace 'intent' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'purpose, objective' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'plan, idea' is a commonplace synonym.

intent: Explore its Definition & Usage

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

Synonyms for intent

Antonyms for intent

Idioms Using intent

the road to hell is paved with good intentions
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.
have designs on something
to have a secret plan or intention to do something
Example
I think he has designs on taking over the company.
the best-laid plans
even the most carefully made plans can go wrong
Example
We had everything planned out perfectly, but the best-laid plans often go awry.

Phrases with intent

with intent
with the intention of doing something
Example
He drove his car into the wall with intent to cause damage.
criminal intent
the intention to commit a crime
Example
The prosecutor must prove that the defendant had criminal intent in order to secure a conviction.
good intent
the intention to do something good or helpful
Example
Although her actions caused harm, she had good intent and meant well.

Origins of intent

from Latin 'intentus', meaning 'a stretching out'

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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.