Category:Intent

In*tent", a. Etym: [L. intentus, p. p. of intendere. See Intend, and cf. Intense.]

1. Closely directed; strictly attentive; bent; -- said of the mind, thoughts, etc.; as, a mind intent on self-improvement.

2. Having the mind closely directed to or bent on an object; sedulous; eager in pursuit of an object; -- formerly with to, but now with on; as, intent on business or pleasure. "Intent on mischief." Milton. Be intent and solicitous to take up the meaning of the speaker. I. Watts.

intent In*tent", n. Etym: [OE. entent, entente, attention, purpose, OF. entente, F. entente understanding, meaning; a participial noun, fr. F. & OF. entendre. See Intend.]

Defn: The act of turning the mind toward an object; hence, a design; a purpose; intention; meaning; drift; aim. Be thy intents wicked or charitable. Shak. The principal intent of Scripture is to deliver the Hooker. To all intents, and purposes, in all applications or senses; practically; really; virtually; essentially. "He was miserable to all intents and purpose." L'Estrange.

Syn. -- Design; purpose; intention; meaning; purport; view; drift; object; end; aim; plan.