Definition

1. Noun:
   • A plan or purpose; something one means to do: "Intention" refers to a conscious mental state that represents a commitment to carrying out an action or achieving a goal in the future.
   • (Often plural) A person's aims, especially regarding commitment in a relationship: In specific contexts, particularly regarding proposals of marriage, "intentions" refers to a person's serious objectives or purposes.
   • The healing process of a wound (Medical): In medical terminology, "intention" describes the process by which a wound heals and closes.
   • A concept or object of thought (Philosophy): In philosophy, particularly in phenomenology, "intention" refers to the property of consciousness of being directed toward an object or state of affairs.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • It was never my intention to cause any trouble. (I did not plan or mean to cause trouble.)
  • She announced her intention to run for office. (She stated her plan or goal to become a candidate.)
  • He asked her about his intentions. (He inquired about his serious purposes, especially in a romantic context.)
  • The wound healed by primary intention. (The wound edges were brought together and healed directly.)

Advanced Usage

• "With the intention of (doing something)": Having the specific plan or purpose to do something.
  • He went to the library with the intention of studying all afternoon.
• "To have every intention of (doing something)": To be very determined and resolved to do something.
  • I have every intention of finishing this project on time.
• "Good intentions": Well-meaning plans that may not lead to a good or successful outcome.
  • The plan failed despite their good intentions.

Variants and Related Words

• Intent (Noun/Adjective): As a noun, a synonym for "intention," often implying stronger determination. As an adjective, meaning very focused and determined.
  • She stared at the door with intent concentration.
• Intend (Verb): To have a plan, purpose, or goal in mind.
  • What do you intend to do next?
• Intentional (Adjective): Done on purpose; deliberate.
  • The damage was intentional, not an accident.
• Unintentional (Adjective): Not done on purpose; accidental.
  • An unintentional mistake.

Synonyms

• Aim: A purpose or goal.
• Goal: The object of a person's ambition or effort.
• Objective: Something aimed at or sought; a target.
• Purpose: The reason for which something is done or created.
• Design (Noun): A plan or scheme conceived in the mind.

Related Phrases

• "The road to hell is paved with good intentions" (Idiom): A saying meaning that good plans or motives do not necessarily lead to good outcomes and can sometimes cause harm.
• "To all intents and purposes" (Idiomatic Phrase): In all important respects; practically.
  • The project is, to all intents and purposes, complete.

Noun

1. an act of intending; a volition that you intend to carry out
   • my intention changed once I saw her
2. (usually plural) the goal with respect to a marriage proposal
   • his intentions are entirely honorable
3. 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