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intent

[ɪnˈtɛnt]

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

  • 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.

  • 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 the intention of doing something

    Example

    He drove his car into the wall with intent to cause damage.

  • the intention to commit a crime

    Example

    The prosecutor must prove that the defendant had criminal intent in order to secure a conviction.

  • 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.

How do native speakers use this expression?