intent
planned purpose behind an action
The reason or plan in your mind when you do something.
[someone]'s intent to [verb]
- Her intent was to help, not to cause trouble.
- The manager explained the intent behind the new rules.
- He wrote a short note to clarify his intent.
- Some people questioned the government's true intent in passing the law.
- The contract does not match the original intent of the parties.
- My intent was to call you yesterday.
- Her intent is to start her own business.
- They had good intent, but the plan failed.
- Please tell me your intent before you act.
- The teacher asked about the writer's intent in this paragraph.
firmly determined to do something
Very serious and sure that you will do something, and focused on that goal.
be intent on [verb+ing]
- She is intent on becoming a doctor, no matter how long it takes.
- The company seems intent on cutting costs this year.
- He walked past us, intent on catching the last train.
- They are intent on changing the way the system works.
- Despite the difficulties, he remained intent on finishing the project.
- She is intent on passing the exam.
- He is intent on saving more money this year.
- The coach is intent on improving the team.
- They seem intent on moving to another country.
- I am intent on learning English well.
showing focused, serious attention
Looking at or listening to something very carefully and seriously.
intent [look/gaze/expression]
- The children sat in intent silence as the story began.
- She listened with an intent expression on her face.
- An intent crowd watched the final moments of the match.
- He met her with an intent gaze, waiting for her answer.
- The audience was intent, hanging on the speaker's every word.
- The students were intent as the teacher spoke.
- He watched the game with an intent look.
- She was an intent listener during the meeting.
- They sat in intent silence before the test.
- I saw his intent eyes as he read the letter.
mental decision to do something, esp. crime
In legal language, the plan in a person's mind to do something, usually a crime.
intent to commit [a crime]
- The prosecution must prove that he had the intent to commit fraud.
- She was charged with assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
- The jury decided that there was no criminal intent behind his actions.
- Because the act was accidental, the court found a lack of intent.
- Evidence of intent is a key part of the case.
- The lawyer argued that his client had no criminal intent.
- Police are trying to prove his intent to steal the car.
- She was arrested for assault with intent to rob.
- The judge asked about the man's intent when he hit the other person.
- In many crimes, the court must decide the intent of the person.
planned meaning behind words
What a person wants to say or show when they use words or actions.
the intent of [a text/law/statement]
- Some critics focus on authorial intent when analyzing literature.
- The court tried to follow the original intent of the constitution.
- Her statement was taken out of context, and her intent was misunderstood.
- We need to be clear about the intent of this policy document.
- The design is simple, but its intent is powerful.
- The teacher asked about the author's intent in this story.
- Many people argue about the intent of that law.
- His words sounded rude, but his intent was good.
- We did not understand the intent of the message.
- She explained the intent behind her video.
- Base: intent
- Base: intent
- Plural: intent, intents
be intent on
1be firmly determined to do
To be very serious and sure that you will do something, and to focus on that goal.
- He is intent on changing his career this year.
- They are intent on making this project a success.
- I was so intent on finishing the report that I skipped lunch.
criminal intent
1decision to commit a crime
The plan in a person's mind to do a crime.
- The jury found that there was clear criminal intent.
- Without proof of criminal intent, the charges may be dropped.
- The lawyer argued that his client had no criminal intent.
intent on
1firmly determined about something
Very serious and focused on doing or getting something.
- She is intent on proving that she can succeed on her own.
- They seemed intent on ignoring all the warnings.
- The team is intent on winning the championship this year.
with intent
1having a planned harmful purpose
In legal language, used to say that someone acted with a planned purpose, often to do something bad.
- He was charged with assault with intent.
- The court must decide whether she acted with intent or by accident.
with intent to
1having a planned purpose to do
Having a clear plan or purpose to do something, often used in legal or formal language.
- He was arrested for entering the building with intent to steal.
- The email was sent with intent to inform, not to criticize.
- She traveled to the city with intent to find a new job.