intent Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
    aim; intention; design; purpose.
    • his intent was to provide a new translation
    • good intentions are not enough
    • it was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs
    • he made no secret of his designs
  2. noun the intended meaning of a communication
    spirit; purport.
  3. adjective satellite giving or marked by complete attention to
    enwrapped; engrossed; captive; absorbed; wrapped.
    • that engrossed look or rapt delight
    • then wrapped in dreams
    • so intent on this fantastic...narrative that she hardly stirred"- Walter de la Mare
    • rapt with wonder
    • wrapped in thought

WordNet

In*tent" adjective
Etymology
L. intentus, p. p. of intendere. See Intend, and cf. Intense.
Definitions
  1. Closely directed; strictly attentive; bent; -- said of the mind, thoughts, etc.; as, a mind intent on self-improvement.
  2. Having the mind closely directed to or bent on an object; sedulous; eager in pursuit of an object; -- formerly with to, but now with on; as, intent on business or pleasure. "Intent on mischief." Milton.
    Be intent and solicitous to take up the meaning of the speaker. I. Watts.
In*tent" noun
Etymology
OE. entent, entente, attention, purpose, OF. entente, F. entente understanding, meaning; a participial noun, fr. F. & OF. entendre. See Intend.
Definitions
  1. The act of turning the mind toward an object; hence, a design; a purpose; intention; meaning; drift; aim.
    Be thy intents wicked or charitable. Shak.
    The principal intent of Scripture is to deliver the aws of duties supernatural. Hooker.
    L'Estrange. Syn. -- Design; purpose; intention; meaning; purport; view; drift; object; end; aim; plan.

Webster 1913