intent

intent 2[in-tent] SynonymsExamplesWord Origin See more synonyms for intent on Thesaurus.com adjective

1. firmly or steadfastly fixed or directed, as the eyes or mind: an intent gaze.
2. having the attention sharply focused or fixed on something: intent on one’s job.
3. determined or resolved; having the mind or will fixed on some goal: intent on revenge.
4. earnest; intense: an intent person.

Origin of intent 2 1600–10; Latin intentus taut, intent, past participle of intendere to intend; cf. intense Related formsin·tent·ly, adverbin·tent·ness, nounSynonyms for intent See more synonyms for on Thesaurus.com 1, 2. concentrated. 3. resolute, set.Antonyms for intent 3. irresolute. Related Words for intentness labor, energy, activity, enterprise, concentration, thinking, mind, scrutiny, thought, consideration, debate, earnestness, solemnity, gravity, sincerity, perseverance, eagerness, zest, diligence, ardor Examples from the Web for intentness Historical Examples of intentness

The regard they fixed on his face was baleful in its intentness.

The Rainy Day Railroad War

Holman Day

All the while I looked at him steadily, until his eyes began to lose their intentness.

Wood Folk at School

William J. Long

His vision was not unconscious of her presence; he stared at her with intentness.

Tancred

Benjamin Disraeli

Beneath the intentness of the scrutiny Ellen colored uneasily.

The Wall Between

Sara Ware Bassett

All the factors were present to him and he dwelt upon them with intentness.

Gulmore, The Boss

Frank Harris

British Dictionary definitions for intentness intent noun

1. something that is intended; aim; purpose; design
2. the act of intending
3. law the will or purpose with which one does an act
4. implicit meaning; connotation
5. to all intents and purposes for all practical purposes; virtually

adjective

6. firmly fixed; determined; concentratedan intent look
7. (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 Formsintently, adverbintentness, nounWord Origin for intent C13 (in the sense: intention): from Late Latin intentus aim, intent, from Latin: a stretching out; see intend Word Origin and History for intentness intent n.

“purpose,” early 13c., from Old French entente, from Latin intentus “a stretching out,” in Late Latin “intention, attention,” noun use of past participle of intendere “stretch out, lean toward, strain,” literally “to stretch out” (see intend).

intent adj.

“very attentive,” late 14c., from Latin intentus “attentive, eager, waiting, strained,” past participle of intendere “to strain, stretch” (see intend). Related: Intently.

Idioms and Phrases with intentness intent

see to all intents and purposes.