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intention

B1
noun

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ɪntˈɛnʃən/

US

  • /ˌɪnˈtɛntʃən/

Description

An intention is what you have in mind when you do something - your purpose or goal. It is more than just thinking about doing something; it is the idea or plan behind your action. A child might have the intention of building a huge castle out of blocks, while an adult might have the intention of learning a new language. Sometimes intentions are spoken aloud ("My intention is to finish this project today!"), and sometimes they stay hidden inside us. But understanding someone's intention can help you understand why they do what they do. A good intention does not always lead to a good result, though - sometimes the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

Examples

  1. 1

    Clarifying motive

    My intention was to help, not to criticize.

  2. 2

    Career plans

    She has no intention of leaving the company this year.

    • Pattern

      have no intention of + -ing

      definitely not plan to do it

  3. 3

    Event planning

    We arrived early with the intention of getting good seats.

    • Pattern

      with the intention of + -ing

      because you planned to do it

  4. 4

    Institutional plan

    The school announced its intention to hire more teachers.

  5. 5

    Unhelpful advice

    I understand your good intentions, but your advice made him feel worse.

  6. 6

    Hidden purpose

    What was the intention behind that question?

    • Pattern

      intention behind + question/action

      the reason or purpose for it

  7. 7

    Delayed reply

    He opened the letter with every intention of replying right away.

    • Pattern

      with every intention of + -ing

      fully planning to do it

  8. 8

    Mistaken help

    She changed the plan with the best of intentions, but it caused more confusion.

    • Phrase

      with the best of intentions

      meaning to help, even if the result is bad

Forms and spellings

2 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • intentionnoun

Forms

  • intentionspluralnoun