What does intentionally mean?
Intentionally means deliberately, with an action performed on purpose rather than by chance. It identifies intention as the reason for a choice or result, making it useful when the central question is whether someone meant to do something. For example, a statement may describe a feature as intentionally hidden, an omission as intentionally made, or a design feature as intentionally added. The word is common in formal, professional, and everyday English, although alternatives such as deliberately and on purpose may sound more conversational in some contexts. Intentionally does not necessarily imply that an action was wise or desirable; it establishes only that it was planned or intended. Compared with consciously, it places greater emphasis on purpose, while deliberately often suggests careful consideration. In discussions of wrongdoing, responsibility, communication, and design, intentionally can carry additional weight because it highlights deliberate agency and may suggest awareness of consequences.
adverbIn a deliberate manner; on purpose, with the intention of producing a particular result.
- Deliberately; with the intention of producing a particular result.
"The sign was intentionally placed where approaching drivers could not miss it."
"She intentionally left the file open so that the next person would know it needed attention."
"The building was intentionally designed to collect rainwater for use in the gardens."
Intentionally turns an action into a statement about motive: what happened matters, but so does the fact that someone meant it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of intentionally
Intentionally is an English adverb formed from the adjective intentional and the suffix -ly. Intentional derives from intention, which came through Old French from the Latin intentionem, meaning “intention” or “purpose.” Latin intention in turn developed from intendere, formed from elements meaning “to stretch out” and “to direct one's attention toward.” The modern sense of deliberate purpose developed from the older meanings of directing attention and resolving to do something.
How intentionally is actually used
The word is neutral to formal and is especially useful when emphasizing that an action or outcome was deliberate. In contexts involving responsibility, deception, or design, it can also imply awareness of the likely consequences.
Easily confused with intentionally
Intentionally means deliberately and on purpose, whereas unintentionally means without intending the action or result.