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intentioned

B2

Pronunciation

UK

  • /ɪntˈɛnʃənd/

US

  • /ˌɪnˈtɛntʃənd/

Description

You will rarely see intentioned by itself in everyday English. Most of the time, it appears in forms like "well-intentioned" or "ill-intentioned" to describe the purpose behind a person's action. In that use, the word points to motive rather than result: a well-intentioned comment may still hurt someone, and an ill-intentioned act clearly comes from bad motives. On its own, the word can suggest that something was done with a purpose, but that use is uncommon and can sound unnatural today.

Examples

  1. 1

    Unhelpful advice

    Her well-intentioned advice only made him feel more nervous.

    • Phrase

      well-intentioned

      meant to help, even if it does not help

  2. 2

    Policy effects

    The policy was well-intentioned, but it created extra work for teachers.

  3. 3

    Suspicious behavior

    Be careful around anyone who seems ill-intentioned.

    • Phrase

      ill-intentioned

      wanting to cause harm or trouble

Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • intentioned