Main Entry: in·ten·tion

Pronunciation: \in-ˈten(t)-shən\

Function: noun

Date: 14th century

1 : a determination to act in a certain way : resolve
2 : import, significance
3 a : what one intends to do or bring about b : the object for which a prayer, mass, or pious act is offered
4 : a process or manner of healing of incised wounds
5 : concept; especially : a concept considered as the product of attention directed to an object of knowledge
6 plural : purpose with respect to marriage

synonyms intention, intent, purpose, design, aim, end, object, objective, goal mean what one intends to accomplish or attain. intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about <announced his intention to marry>. intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness <the clear intent of the statute>. purpose suggests a more settled determination <being successful was her purpose in life>. design implies a more carefully calculated plan <the order of events came by accident, not design>. aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing <her aim was to raise film to an art form>. end stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such <willing to use any means to achieve his end>. object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need <his constant object was the achievement of pleasure>. objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable <their objective is to seize the oil fields>. goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship <worked years to reach her goals>.