intent

/ɪnˈtɛnt/

/ɪnˈtɛnt/

Other forms: intents

If you are intent on doing something, you are determined to get it done. If you have an intent, you have a motive or purpose.

Intention and intent are synonyms, but with a subtle difference. Intention implies a general desire or plan to accomplish something, while intent is a little stronger, indicating a firm resolve to get it done. Intent can be used as a noun or adjective. So you may be intent on finishing your homework, but the amount of it has you convinced of your teacher's ill intent.

Definitions of intent

1. noun

   an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
   “his intent was to provide a new translation”

   synonyms: aim, design, intention, mission, purpose

   types:

   idea, mind

   your intention; what you intend to do

   cross-purpose

   a contrary aim

   final cause

   (philosophy) the end or purpose of a thing or process

   sake

   the purpose of achieving or obtaining

   view

   purpose; the phrase `with a view to' means `with the intention of' or `for the purpose of'

   will

   a fixed and persistent intent or purpose

   type of:

   end, goal

   the state of affairs that a plan is intended to achieve and that (when achieved) terminates behavior intended to achieve it
2. noun

   the intended meaning of a communication
   synonyms: purport, spirit

   type of:

   import, meaning, significance, signification

   the message that is intended or expressed or signified
3. adjective

   giving or marked by complete attention to
   “"so intent on this fantastic...narrative that she hardly stirred"- Walter de la Mare”

   synonyms: absorbed, captive, engrossed, enwrapped, wrapped

   attentive

   (often followed by `to') giving care or attention