intent
/ɪnˈtɛnt/ noun, adjective
Forms intents entent
- noun Something that is intended.
- noun (law) The state of someone’s mind at the time of committing an offence.
- adjective Firmly fixed or concentrated on something. “a mind intent on self-improvement”
- adjective Engrossed.
- adjective Unwavering from a course of action.
Synonyms
purpose intention aim design purport spirit captive absorbed engrossed enwrapped wrapped
Etymology
Existing since Middle English entente, from Old French entent or entente, ultimately from Latin intentus. Modified later in spelling to align more closely with the Latin word. Compare intention.
Webster’s 1913
- adjective Closely directed; strictly attentive; bent; --said of the mind, thoughts, etc.; as, a mind intent on self-improvement.
- adjective Having the mind closely directed to or bent on an object; sedulous; eager in pursuit of an object; --formerly with to, but now with on; as, intent on business or pleasure. "Intent on mischief." Milton.
- noun The act of turning the mind toward an object; hence, a design; a purpose; intention; meaning; drift; aim. Be thy intents wicked or charitable. Shak.
Etymology [L. intentus, p. p. of intendere. See Intend, and cf. Intense.]
Etymology [OE. entent, entente, attention, purpose, OF. entente, F. entente understanding, meaning; a participial noun, fr. F. & OF. entendre. See Intend.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “intent”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details