intent

1
[ in-tent ]
/ ɪnˈtɛnt /

noun

something that is intended; purpose; design; intention: The original intent of the committee was to raise funds.
the act or fact of intending, as to do something: criminal intent.
Law. the state of a person's mind that directs his or her actions toward a specific object.
meaning or significance.

Idioms for intent

    to/for all intents and purposes, for all practical purposes; practically speaking; virtually: The book is, to all intents and purposes, a duplication of earlier efforts.

Origin of intent

1
First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Late Latin intentus “an aim, purpose,” from Latin intentus “a stretching out,” equivalent to inten(dere) + -tus suffix of verbal action; replacing Middle English entent(e), from Old French, from Late Latin, as above; see intend

SYNONYMS FOR intent

2 aim, plan, plot.

synonym study for intent

1. See intention.

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH intent

intense intents

Words nearby intent

intensitometer, intensity, intensive, intensive care, intensive care unit, intent, intention, intention movement, intention spasm, intention tremor, intentional

British Dictionary definitions for to all intents and purposes

intent
/ (ɪnˈtɛnt) /

noun

adjective

firmly fixed; determined; concentrated an intent look
(postpositive; usually foll by on or upon) having the fixed intention (of); directing one's mind or energy (to) intent on committing a crime

Derived forms of intent

intently, adverb intentness, noun

Word Origin for intent

C13 (in the sense: intention): from Late Latin intentus aim, intent, from Latin: a stretching out; see intend

Idioms and Phrases with to all intents and purposes (1 of 2)

to all intents and purposes

Also, for all intents and purposes; for all practical purposes. In every practical sense, virtually. For example, For all intents and purposes the case is closed, or For all practical purposes the Vice-President is the chief executive while the President is in the hospital. The first phrase, dating from the 1500s, originated in English law, where it was to all intents, constructions, and purposes. A shorter synonym is in effect, def. 1.

Idioms and Phrases with to all intents and purposes (2 of 2)

intent

see to all intents and purposes.