intend

verb in·tend \ 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

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intender

noun

See intend defined for English-language learners

See intend defined for kids

Examples of intend in a Sentence

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

Recent Examples of intend from the Web

But this musical is intended to incorporate material of mine that exists already.

— george varga, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Rock legend Todd Rundgren on music, his autobiography, being unpredictable," 29 Aug. 2017
The juxtaposition of the flowers out of water and the vase, particularly in context of the insects and skulls, was intended to remind the viewer of the transient, pained beauty of life.

— aaron gilbreath, Longreads, "Reflections of an Accidental Florist," 28 Aug. 2017
Billue said Matthew’s Hope intends to sell its produce to Winter Garden restaurants and plans to set up a farm stand.

— stephen hudak, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Winter Garden hopes farming ordinance grows on city residents," 27 Aug. 2017
The tough U.N. sanctions – supported by China and Russia – were intended to help nudge North Korea closer to negotiating table, but instead, Pyongyang has again defied the international community.

— jen kirby, Daily Intelligencer, "North Korea Reportedly Launches Three Short-Range Missiles," 25 Aug. 2017
By their design, roundabouts are intended to reduce or eliminate head-on and T-bone crashes, with all traffic going around the circle in the same direction.

— mike nolan, Daily Southtown, "Orland Park planning to bring roundabouts to village," 24 Aug. 2017
Officials say an Asian carp found in a Chicago waterway this summer apparently got past an electric barrier system intended to prevent the invasive fish from reaching the Great Lakes.

— john flesher, chicagotribune.com, "Asian carp found in Little Calumet River had evaded three electric barriers," 18 Aug. 2017
Years later, in 1961, Walt Disney co-founded California Institute of the Arts, a school intended to be a feeder to Disney and the industry.

— robert ito, Los Angeles Magazine, "These Female Animators are Redrawing an Industry’s Gender Lines," 18 Aug. 2017
With brush application as smooth as butter (pun intended) and color as bright as your favorite sundress, this long-wearing lacquer is the gift that keeps on giving.

— vanityfair.com, "The Sweetest Nail-Polish Colors of Summer 2017," 17 Aug. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intend.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology 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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

intend Synonyms

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

INTEND Defined for English Language Learners

intend

verb

Definition of intend for English Language Learners

: to plan or want to do (something) : to have (something) in your mind as a purpose or goal
: to plan for or want (someone or something) to do or be something
: to want (something that you control, provide, or have made) to be used for a particular purpose or by a particular person