intend

verb

in·​tend in-ˈtend 

intended; intending; intends

transitive verb

1

a

: to have in mind as a purpose or goal : plan

b

: to design for a specified use or future

2

a

: signify, mean

b

: to refer to

3

: to direct the mind on

4

archaic : to proceed on (a course)

intransitive verb

archaic : set out, start

intender noun

Synonyms

• aim
• allow [chiefly Southern & Midland]
• aspire
• calculate
• contemplate
• design
• go [chiefly Southern & Midland]
• look
• mean
• meditate
• plan
• propose
• purport
• purpose

Examples of intend in a Sentence

I didn't intend any disrespect.

We intended that she come with us.

Recent Examples on the Web

The rules were intended to prevent Social Security from overpaying people who worked in non-covered pension jobs, policy experts said. —Medora Lee, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024

To date, the SSU has failed to generate the success or world-building Sony hoped for and intended. —Mark Hughes, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

The decision to greenlight the project is the strongest signal yet that DC Studios co-chiefs James Gunn and Peter Safran intend the studio to incorporate a wide assortment of storytelling tones. —Adam B. Vary, Variety, 12 Dec. 2024

The attorney for the suspect, Luigi Mangione, 26, an Ivy League graduate, has said Mangione intends to plead not guilty to all charges. —Erik Ortiz, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English entenden, intenden, from Anglo-French entendre, from Latin intendere to stretch out, direct, aim at, from in- + tendere to stretch — more at thin

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3

Kids Definition

intend

verb

in·​tend in-ˈtend 

: to have in mind as a purpose or aim : plan

intends to travel abroad next year

Legal Definition

intend

transitive verb

in·​tend in-ˈtend 

: to have in one's mind as a purpose or goal

did not intend to kill her