Intend — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /in-ˈtend/ in·tend

Meaning & Definition of Intend

Intend (verb)

  1. to have in mind as a purpose or goal, plan
  2. to design for a specified use or future
  3. signify, mean

Intend (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to have in mind as a purpose or goal

    "an aspiring entrepreneur who intends to revolutionize the biotech industry"

    similar: aim, allow (chiefly Southern & Midland), aspire, calculate, contemplate, design, go (chiefly Southern & Midland), look, mean, meditate, plan, propose, purport, purpose, figure on
    related: dream, hope, wish, consider, debate, mull (over), ponder, attempt, endeavor, strive, struggle, try, plot, scheme, accomplish, achieve, effect, execute, perform

  2. to communicate or convey (as an idea) to the mind

    "lawyers for both sides argued for days about what was intended by a particular phrase in the law"

    similar: denote, express, import, mean, signify, spell
    related: connote, imply, suggest, add up (to), amount (to), hint, infer, insinuate, intimate, embody, epitomize, personify, represent, symbol, symbolize, advert, allude (to), cite, instance, mention, refer (to), specify, touch (on or upon), designate, indicate, point (to), signal, announce, declare, proclaim, elucidate, explain

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Intend

The most common words with a similar meaning to Intend:

Chiefly Southern & Midland: allow, go
aim, aspire, calculate, contemplate, design, look, mean, meditate, plan, propose, purport, purpose, denote, express, import, signify, spell, figure on

Related Words for Intend

dream, hope, wish, consider, debate, mull (over), ponder, attempt, endeavor, strive, struggle, try, plot, scheme, accomplish, achieve, effect, execute, perform, connote, imply, suggest, add up (to), amount (to), hint, infer, insinuate, intimate, embody, epitomize

Word Forms of Intend

Inflections: intended, intending, intends

Derived words: intender (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Intend

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

First known use: 14th centuryt

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Intend

Frequently Asked Questions about Intend

What does "Intend" mean?

"Intend" means to have in mind as a purpose or goal, plan. As a verb, it is defined as: to have in mind as a purpose or goal, plan. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Intend"?

Other words for "Intend" include aim, allow, aspire, calculate, contemplate, design, go and look. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Intend" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Intend"?

There are 71 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Intend". Common alternatives include aim, allow, aspire, calculate, contemplate, design, go, look, mean and meditate.

How do you use "Intend" in a sentence?

Examples of "Intend" in a sentence: "an aspiring entrepreneur who intends to revolutionize the biotech industry"; "lawyers for both sides argued for days about what was intended by a particular phrase in the law".

Is "Intend" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Intend" is a verb.

Is "Intend" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Intend" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.

How do you pronounce "Intend"?

"Intend" is pronounced /in-ˈtend/ and divided into syllables as in·tend.

What is the origin of the word "Intend"?

"Intend" comes from Middle English entenden, intenden, from Anglo-French entendre, from Latin intendere to stretch out, direct, aim at, from in- + tendere to stretch thin. First known use: 14th centuryt.