in·tent
(ĭn-tĕnt́)
[Middle English entent, from Old French, from Medieval Latin intentus, from Latin, an extending, from intentus, attentive to, strained, from past participle of intendere, to direct attention; see intend.]
noun
- Something that is intended; an aim or purpose. See synonyms at intention
- Law The state of one's mind at the time one carries out an action.
- Meaning; purport.
adjective
- Firmly fixed; concentrated: an intent gaze.
- Having the attention applied; engrossed: The students, intent upon their books, did not hear me enter the room.
- Having the mind and will focused on a specific purpose: was intent on leaving within the hour; are intent upon being recognized.
idioms
- for all intents and purposes
- In every practical sense; practically: To all intents and purposes the case is closed.
derivatives
- in·tent́ly
- adverb
- in·tent́ness
- noun