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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Intention: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：aim or purpose (intention)

intention 🔊

/ɪnˈtenʃn/

What you plan or mean to do; your aim or purpose.

Intention illustrated by a person planning a goal with a thought bubble

aim or purpose 🔊

➕

/eɪm ɔːr ˈpɜːpəs/

This refers to a person's conscious plan, objective, or what they mean to accomplish.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'intentio' (a stretching out, purpose), from 'intendere' (to stretch toward, aim).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'in tension' as focusing your mind's energy toward a single point or goal.

📖 Example

Her intention to paint a mural for the school was clear in her enthusiastic sketches. 🔊 Her aim to paint a mural for the school was evident from her enthusiastic sketches.

🔗 Collocations

good intentions – A desire to do something helpful or kind, even if the outcome is not perfect.

original intention – The initial plan or purpose before any changes.

declare one's intention – To formally or publicly state one's plan or purpose.

🔄 Synonyms

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

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

objective (n.) – A specific, concrete thing one is trying to achieve.

🚫 Antonyms

accident (n.) – An event that happens by chance, without planning or intention.

chance (n.) – The occurrence of events without any obvious cause or design.

impulse (n.) – A sudden strong and unreflective urge or desire to act.

🌱 Derivatives

intent (n./adj.) – As a noun: intention or purpose. As an adjective: determined to do something.

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

unintentional (adj.) – Not done on purpose; accidental.

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'intendere' meaning 'to stretch toward' or 'aim at'. This root, combining 'in-' (toward) and 'tendere' (to stretch), evolved to mean directing one's mind or efforts toward a goal, forming the basis of the modern English word for a plan or purpose.

Meaning 2：goal behind an action (intention)

intention 🔊

/ɪnˈtenʃn/

The aim or purpose behind an action; what you are trying to achieve.

goal behind an action 🔊

➕

/ɡəʊl bɪˈhaɪnd ən ˈækʃn/

This refers to the underlying purpose or objective that motivates and gives meaning to a specific action, plan, or design.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The main intention of the new park design is to create a peaceful place where families can relax together. 🔊 The primary goal behind the new park design is to establish a tranquil space for families to relax together.

🔗 Collocations

with the intention of – Having the purpose or plan of doing something.

intention behind something – The underlying reason or purpose for an action or statement.

primary intention – The main or most important purpose.

🔄 Synonyms

aim (n.) – A purpose or desired outcome one works to achieve.

design (n.) – A plan or scheme conceived in the mind, often with a specific intention.

motive (n.) – A reason for doing something, especially one that is hidden or not obvious.

🚫 Antonyms

outcome (n.) – The way a thing turns out; a consequence.

result (n.) – A consequence, effect, or outcome of something.

consequence (n.) – A result or effect of an action or condition.

🌱 Derivatives

intentionality (n.) – The quality of mental states (e.g., thoughts, beliefs) being directed toward an object or state of affairs.

well-intentioned (adj.) – Having or showing good intentions, even if misguided.