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

This production is clearly intended to present a one-sided and prejudicial narrative. —Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Jan. 2025

To sum it up, a personal color analysis is intended to determine which colors suit you best depending on your skin’s undertone. —Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 23 Jan. 2025

In 2022 Russia intended to remove the government in Kyiv and replace it with a friendly proxy, turning the country away from the West and incorporating it into a Russian sphere of influence. —Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 23 Jan. 2025

And this isn't a question so much as a statement of curiosity, how on earth, other than pumping the club with his own cash (which seems unlikely), does Ratcliffe intend to both finance a new stadium and rebuild a completely imbalanced squad. —Carl Anka, The Athletic, 23 Jan. 2025

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