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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Intent: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：purpose or goal (intent)

intent 🔊

/ɪnˈtent/

The thought or plan you have in your mind about what you want to do.

Illustration of intent as purpose: a hand writing a clear goal on a notepad.

purpose or goal 🔊

➕

/ˈpɜːrpəs ɔːr ɡoʊl/

A person's aim or plan, the objective they deliberately have in mind.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'intendere' (to stretch toward, aim at), via Old French 'entent'.

💡 Mnemonic

IN + TENT: Imagine someone is IN a TENT, completely focused on their GOAL of setting up camp.

📖 Example

She studied English every night with the clear intent of studying abroad next year. 🔊 She dedicated her nightly study sessions to English, driven by the specific goal of attending university overseas the following year.

🔗 Collocations

with the intent to – Having the deliberate purpose of doing something.

original intent – The initial purpose or aim behind an action or document.

declaration of intent – A formal statement outlining one's plans or purposes.

🔄 Synonyms

purpose (n.) – The reason for which something is done or created.

aim (n.) – A purpose or intention; a desired outcome.

goal (n.) – The object of a person's ambition or effort; an aim.

🚫 Antonyms

accident (n.) – Something that happens by chance, without intention.

afterthought (n.) – An idea or reflection that occurs after an event, not part of the original plan.

🌱 Derivatives

intend (v.) – To have a course of action as one's purpose or objective.

intention (n.) – A thing intended; an aim or plan.

intentional (adj.) – Done on purpose; deliberate.

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'intent' entered English from Old French 'entent' in the 13th century, rooted in the Latin verb 'intendere' meaning 'to stretch toward, aim at'. It originally captured the literal and figurative direction of the mind's focus toward a goal. In modern Anglo-American common law, a person's intent ('mens rea') is a crucial element for determining criminal liability.

Meaning 2：fully focused (intent)

intent 🔊

/ɪnˈtent/

Giving all your attention to something, being very focused.

Visual of intent as focus: a student concentrating intently on a textbook in a library.

fully focused 🔊

➕

/ˈfʊli ˈfoʊkəst/

The state of giving complete and earnest attention to something.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

He was so intent on his book that he didn't hear me calling his name. 🔊 His attention was completely absorbed by the book, making him oblivious to my calls for his attention.

🔗 Collocations

intent on – Giving all one's attention and effort to a specific activity or goal.

intent expression – A facial look showing deep concentration or determination.

listen with intent – To listen very carefully and with full focus.

🔄 Synonyms

focused (adj.) – Directing a great deal of attention, interest, or activity towards a particular aim.

absorbed (adj.) – Intensely engaged or engrossed in something.

engrossed (adj.) – Having all one's attention or interest occupied.

🚫 Antonyms

distracted (adj.) – Unable to concentrate because one's mind is preoccupied.

unfocused (adj.) – Not directing attention or effort towards a specific point or goal.

🌱 Derivatives

intently (adv.) – With earnest and eager attention.