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Definition of intent
1a : the act or fact of intending : purpose; especially : the design or purpose to commit a wrongful or criminal act admitted wounding him with intentb : the state of mind with which an act is done : volition
2 : a usually clearly formulated or planned intention : aim the director's intent
3a : meaning, significanceb : connotation 3
From the M-W Editors
Examples of intent in a Sentence
She thinks I'm trying to make things difficult for her, but that's not my intent.
The intent of the law is to protect consumers.
He was charged with assault with intent to kill.
Recent Examples of intent from the Web
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Prosecutors announced in May their intent to pursue the death penalty for Rhodes.
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Riley said in April his intent was to bring Haslem, the team captain, back this summer after the Heat was done recruiting free agents and filling its roster.
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In a certified letter informing the EPA of their intent to sue, the groups argue the Agency has two years after rejecting a state implementation plan to enforce an alternative plan under the Clean Air Act.
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My intent over the past few weeks has been to learn and understand what happened on June 4.
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But] the true intent of this testimony was to criticize Administrator Pruitt’s evaluation of the BOSC rather than discuss state involvement of EPA rulemaking.
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After deliberating a half day, the jury found Skorniak guilty of rape, kidnapping with intent to commit rape and sexual penetration of an unconscious person, as well as allegations that include using a deadly weapon.
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The intent never was for U.S. taxpayers to provide the entire European defense network.
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Intent on teaching his son a lesson, William Wrigley Sr.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'intent'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of intent
Middle English entente, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin intentus, from Latin, act of stretching out, from intendere
Synonym Discussion of intent
intent
Definition of intent
1 : directed with strained or eager attention : concentrated
2 : having the mind, attention, or will concentrated on something or some end or purpose intent on their work
intently
adverbintentness
nounExamples of intent in a Sentence
intent on finishing her sculpture in time for the group show
he was so intent on his work that he didn't hear the dog bark
Origin and Etymology of intent
Latin intentus, from past participle of intendere
INTENT Defined for English Language Learners
intent
playDefinition of intent for English Language Learners
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: the thing that you plan to do or achieve : an aim or purpose
intent
Definition of intent for English Language Learners
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: showing concentration or great attention
INTENT Defined for Kids
Definition of intent for Students
1 : showing concentration or great attention an intent gaze
2 : showing great determination They were intent on going.
intently
adverb I listened intently.Law Dictionary
intent
playLegal Definition of intent
1 : the act or fact of intending: as a : the design or purpose to commit a wrongful or criminal act —called also criminal intent — compare knowledge, mens rea, motive, negligence b : the purpose to commit a tortious act having consequences that the actor desires and believes or knows will occur constructive intent : intent that is inferred to exist (as from willfulness or recklessness) in relation to an act criminal intent : intent 1a general intent : intent to perform an illegal act without the desire for further consequences or a precise result there was a general intent to assault but not to kill specific intent : intent to perform an illegal act with the knowledge or purpose that particular results will or may ensue assaulted him with specific intent to kill transferred intent 1 : intent attributed to a person who intends to cause another harm when the harm is accidentally inflicted on an unintended victim 2 : a doctrine in tort and criminal law: a wrongdoer who causes harm to a person other than the one intended may nevertheless be held to have intended the harmful result
2a : intendment — see also legislative intent b : the purpose of a document (as a contract or will) c : the aim or goal of a person in creating a document or taking an action the court's attempt to fulfill the donor's intent the intent of the contracting parties implied by their language — see also original intent
with intent
: with the intent to commit another sometimes specified crime entered the apartment with intent to commit theft therein a drug dealer charged with possession with intent
Learn More about intent
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See words that rhyme with intent Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for intent Spanish Central: Translation of intent Nglish: Translation of intent for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of intent for Arabic speakers
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