Definition

1. Noun:

   • The intended meaning or purpose of something: "intent" refers to the specific meaning or objective that a person has in mind when communicating or acting.
   • A person's aim or plan: It also denotes a determined intention or a goal that guides one's actions.

2. Adjective:

   • Showing earnest and eager attention: When used as an adjective, "intent" describes someone who is completely focused and absorbed in what they are doing or observing.
   • Determined to do something: It can also describe a state of being resolutely set on achieving a specific purpose.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The court must determine the intent behind the law. (The court must determine the purpose behind the law.)
  • Her intent was to finish the project by Friday. (Her aim was to finish the project by Friday.)

• Adjective:

  • He was so intent on his book that he didn't hear the doorbell. (He was so absorbed in his book that he didn't hear the doorbell.)
  • She gave him an intent look, waiting for an answer. (She gave him a very focused look, waiting for an answer.)

Advanced Usage

• "to all intents and purposes": In practice; virtually.
  • The old system is, to all intents and purposes, obsolete. (The old system is, for all practical purposes, obsolete.)

Variants and Related Words

• Intention (n): A thing intended; an aim or plan. (Often used interchangeably with "intent" as a noun, though "intent" can sound more formal or legalistic.)
  • It was not my intention to cause any offense.
• Intently (adv): With earnest and eager attention.
  • The child watched intently as the magician performed.
• Intentness (n): The quality of being intent.

Synonyms

• Noun: Purpose, aim, objective, goal, design.
• Adjective: Attentive, focused, absorbed, engrossed, determined, resolute.

Related Phrases

• With intent to [verb]: With the deliberate aim of doing something (common in legal contexts).
  • He was charged with possession with intent to distribute.
• Letter of intent: A document outlining an initial agreement between parties.
  • The companies signed a letter of intent before the final contract.

Idioms

• Hell-bent intent: Having a very determined and often reckless intention to do something.
  • He proceeded with hell-bent intent, ignoring all warnings.

Adjective

1. giving or marked by complete attention to
   • that engrossed look or rapt delight
   • then wrapped in dreams
   • so intent on this fantastic...narrative that she hardly stirred- Walter de la Mare
   • rapt with wonder
   • wrapped in thought

Noun

1. the intended meaning of a communication
2. an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
   • his intent was to provide a new translation
   • good intentions are not enough
   • it was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs
   • he made no secret of his designs