What does intention mean?
Intention means a purpose, aim, or plan that someone intends to carry out. It describes the goal that exists before an action is performed, as in a person's intention to apologize, leave, or complete a project. The word can also mean the meaning or significance attributed to an action, statement, or work. In everyday use, intention often suggests a deliberate purpose and can be paired with expressions such as 'good intentions' or 'every intention of doing something.' It is distinct from an outcome: having an intention does not mean that the intended result will occur. The term is useful when discussing plans, motives, promises, and the interpretation of actions.
nounA purpose, aim, or idea that someone intends to pursue or achieve. It can also refer to the meaning or significance that someone attributes to an action or expression.
- A purpose, aim, or objective that someone intends to achieve.
- The meaning or significance attributed to an action, statement, or event.
"She had every intention of completing the project before the deadline."
"He announced his intention to seek a new job."
"The unusual markings may have been made with some symbolic intention."
Intention is countable and commonly used in the plural when referring to several purposes, plans, or aims.
"She had clearly stated her intentions to the committee."
An intention is a plan before action, revealing that our most ordinary choices begin as private declarations of purpose.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intention come from?
Intention comes from the Latin intentionem, a noun meaning purpose or design, formed from intendere, 'to stretch out' or 'direct toward.' The English form appeared in the Middle English period and initially carried the sense of a directed purpose or resolve. Its close relatives include intent, intentional, and attend, all connected with the same Latin family of ideas involving directedness and purpose.
Related word forms
How intention is actually used
In its common sense, intention is usually a noun meaning an aim or purpose. The phrase 'with the intention of doing something' is formal but common; 'with the intention' should be followed by a gerund. In the sense of meaning or significance, it often appears in expressions such as 'political intention' or 'interpretive intention.'
Easily confused with intention
Intention refers to a purpose or aim, while attention refers to concentration, notice, or care.