WordGarden.iointend
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɪntˈɛnd/
US
- /ˌɪnˈtɛnd/
Meanings
Verb
to have a plan, purpose, or aim
to mean or try to convey something
Beyond the definition
To intend something is to have a plan or purpose in mind. It is what you mean to do. You might plan to bake a cake for your friend's birthday, or mean to spend the afternoon reading. Sometimes things do not happen the way you planned. A mischievous cat might be about to knock over a vase, but its owner certainly did not want that to happen. The word can also be used when talking about someone's purpose: "Her intentions were good, even if her methods weren't."
Imagine you're setting off on a journey. You have a destination in mind, a route you plan to take – that's your intention. To intend means to have a purpose or plan for something; it's the mental act of deciding what you want to achieve. For example: "I didn't mean to hurt her feelings, but my words were misinterpreted," shows an unintended consequence despite good intentions.
"Intend" isn't just about future actions, though. It can also describe a design or purpose built into something. A safety feature on a car is intended to protect the driver in case of an accident. Or consider legal documents – they are carefully worded to express specific outcomes that someone wants.
The word carries weight; it suggests deliberation and a conscious decision. Saying "I intend to finish this project by Friday" is stronger than saying "I'll try." It implies commitment.
However, intentions don't always translate into actions. Sometimes life gets in the way! We might intend to exercise more, eat healthier, or learn a new skill, but following through requires effort and discipline. So while intending something is the first step, it's not necessarily the final one.
Examples
- 1
Everyday plan
I intend to call her after work.
- 2
Changed plan
We intended to leave early, but the meeting ran late.
- 3
Accidental hurt
She never intended to hurt your feelings.
- 4
Course audience
The course is intended for beginners.
- Patternintended for + person/group
made or planned for that person or group
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Protective purpose
The new rules are intended to protect customers.
- Patternintended to + verb
designed or planned to do it
- 6
Joking tone
He intended the comment as a joke, but nobody laughed.
- Patternintend + thing + as + meaning
want it to be understood in that way
- 7
Strong intention
I fully intend to finish the project this week.
- 8
Project timeline
If all goes as intended, the app will be ready by June.
- Phraseas intended
in the way that was planned
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- intendverb
Forms
- intendedpast tenseverb
- intendsverb
- intending-ing formverb