What does intentionality mean?
Intentionality means the condition of being directed toward a particular object, purpose, or outcome. In ordinary discussion, it describes the deliberate or purposeful character of an action: a decision made with a clear aim exhibits intentionality. In philosophy, the term is more technical, referring to the aboutness or directedness of mental states, such as thoughts, beliefs, desires, and intentions. A thought of a tree is intentional because it is about that tree, even if the person thinking it has never seen one. The concept is important in discussions of meaning, consciousness, communication, and action because it distinguishes merely happening from being aimed at something. It is also useful when examining why a choice, design, or policy was made and what purpose it was meant to serve. The word is more formal than the everyday expression deliberate purpose, but it conveys both purposeful action and the directed character of thought.
nounThe quality or state of being intentional, especially the deliberate aiming of an action or belief. In philosophy, intentionality is the property of mental states or acts that are directed toward objects, purposes, or meanings.
- The quality of being deliberate or purposeful.
- In philosophy and phenomenology, the property of mental states or acts being about or directed toward something.
"Her decision to confront the problem directly reflected a calm sense of intentionality."
"The study examined how intentionality shapes the way people understand speech and action."
"The design team emphasized the intentionality of every visual detail rather than relying on decoration."
Plural is uncommon; the word is usually used in the singular.
"The researchers compared the intentionalities behind the two proposals."
Intentionality asks a surprisingly philosophical question: not merely what we do, but what our actions are trying to mean.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intentionality come from?
Intentionality was formed in English by adding the suffix -ity to intentional. Intentional comes through French from Late Latin intentionalis, derived from Latin intendere, meaning “to stretch toward” or “to aim at.” The same Latin root produced intent and intention, which also refer to an aim or purpose. The development reflects the word’s movement from the idea of aiming toward something to the philosophical study of mental directedness.
Related word forms
How intentionality is actually used
The word is relatively formal and is especially common in academic and philosophical writing. In everyday use, it can sound more abstract than simply describing something as deliberate.
Easily confused with intentionality
Intention usually names a particular aim or purpose, whereas intentionality names the broader condition of being directed toward an object, action, or purpose.
Intentional is an adjective describing something done deliberately, while intentionality is the noun referring to that quality.