intend
gb/ɪntˈɛnd/ us/ɪntˈɛnd/
B1
English
~ 1000
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B1
state
1
Plan or aim to do something
To plan or want to do something.
Usage pattern:
to intend to [do something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'intend' with 'attend'. 'Intend' means to plan or aim, while 'attend' means to be present at an event.
Synonyms
plan (More general; can refer to making arrangements, not just having an aim.)
|
aim (Focuses more on the goal rather than the act of planning.)
Antonyms
neglect (Implies not planning or failing to consider doing something.)
|
forget (Implies losing the idea or plan from memory.)
Collocations
intend to go
|intend to use
|intend to start
|fully intend
|intend for someone
Themes
daily life
|planning
|communication
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Examples
- I intend to finish this project by Friday.
- She intends to move abroad next year.
- We fully intend to keep our promise.
- They intend for their children to attend college.
- I never intended to hurt your feelings.
Learner examples
- I intend to call you tomorrow.
- He intends to buy a car.
- We intend to visit Paris.
- She intends to learn English.
- They intend to play soccer.
Verb
B2
state
2
Mean something by words or actions
To mean something when you say or do it.
Usage pattern:
to intend [something] by [words/action]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with simply 'meaning' something without considering intention; 'intend' stresses deliberate choice.
Synonyms
mean (Most common equivalent; 'intend' can sound slightly more formal or deliberate.)
Antonyms
misinterpret (Implies understanding differently from what was meant.)
Collocations
intend a message
|intend meaning
|intend as a compliment
Themes
communication
|interpretation
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- What do you intend by that remark?
- I intended my comment as a joke.
- He intended the gift as a peace offering.
Learner examples
- I intended my words as thanks.
- She intended the smile as a welcome.
- He intended the note as a warning.
Verb
B1
action
3
Design for a particular use/person
To make or choose something for a person or purpose.
Usage pattern:
to intend [something] for [someone/something]
Synonyms
designate (More formal; often used in official contexts.)
|
allocate (Focuses on assigning resources rather than purpose.)
Antonyms
misuse (Using something for a purpose it was not planned for.)
Collocations
intended for children
|intended audience
|intended use
Themes
design
|planning
|core_vocabulary
|work
Examples
- This book is intended for beginners.
- The funds are intended for community projects.
- The medicine is intended to treat high blood pressure.
Learner examples
- This toy is intended for small children.
- The food is intended for the party.
- This chair is intended for the office.
Grammar
Dictionary form
intend
IPA
GB/ɪntˈɛnd/
US/ɪntˈɛnd/
Syllables & stress
in - tend (2 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (tend)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: intend
- 3rd Person Singular: intends
- Present Participle: intending
- Past: intended
Word family
Forms
intends
verb
intending
verb
intended
verb
Core family
Related words
intent
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
unintentional
adjective
unintentionally
adverb
unintended
adjective
Advanced or less common
intentionality
noun
Expressions
be intended for someone/something
1/bˈi ɪntˈɛndɪd fɚ sˈoʊmˈoʊnsəmˈɛθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Made or meant for someone/purpose
To be made or planned for a specific person or thing.
Examples
- This letter is intended for you only.
- These lessons are intended for advanced students.
intend to do something
1/ɪntˈɛnd tə dˈu sˈʌmθɪŋ/
fixed phrase
Plan to perform an action later
To plan or want to do an action in the future.
Examples
- I intend to call her tonight.
- They intend to start the meeting at 9 a.m.
what do you intend by that?
1/wˈʌt dˈu jˈu ɪntˈɛnd bˈaɪ ðˈæt ‖/
fixed phrase
Ask meaning behind words/actions
Used to ask what someone means by what they said or did.
Examples
- What do you intend by that comment?
- What exactly do you intend by giving me this?