intend

in·tend

verb \in-ˈtend\

Definition of INTEND

transitive verb

1

: to direct the mind on

2

archaic : to proceed on (a course)

3

a : signify, mean

b : to refer to

4

a : to have in mind as a purpose or goal : plan

b : to design for a specified use or future

intransitive verb

archaic : set out, start

— in·tend·er noun

Examples of INTEND

1. I didn't intend any disrespect.
2. We intended that she come with us.

Origin of INTEND

Middle English entenden, intenden, from Anglo-French entendre, from Latin intendere to stretch out, direct, aim at, from in- + tendere to stretch — more at thin

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to INTEND

Synonyms

aim, allow [chiefly Southern & Midland], aspire, calculate, contemplate, design, go [chiefly Southern & Midland], look, mean, meditate, plan, propose, purport, purpose, figure on

Related Words

dream, hope, wish; consider, debate, mull (over), ponder; attempt, endeavor, strive, struggle, try; plot, scheme; accomplish, achieve, effect, execute, perform

Rhymes with INTEND

addend, amend, append, ascend, attend, bartend, befriend, Big Bend, bookend, boyfriend, closed-end, commend, compend, contend, dead end, dead-end, defend, depend, descend, distend, downtrend, emend, expend, extend, fag end, forfend, front-end, girlfriend, Gravesend, headend, high-end, hornblende, impend, Land's End, loose end, low-end, missend, misspend, next friend, no end, offend, on end, Ostend, outspend, perpend, pitchblende, portend, pretend, propend, protend, rear-end, resend, sheet bend, South Bend, split end, stipend, subtend, suspend, tag end, tail end, tight end, top-end, transcend, unbend, unkenned, upend, uptrend, weekend, year-end