intention Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
    aim; design; intent; purpose.
    • his intent was to provide a new translation
    • good intentions are not enough
    • it was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs
    • he made no secret of his designs
  2. noun (usually plural) the goal with respect to a marriage proposal
    • his intentions are entirely honorable
  3. noun an act of intending; a volition that you intend to carry out
    • my intention changed once I saw her

WordNet

In*ten"tion noun
Etymology
F. intention, L. intentio. See Intend, and cf. Intension.
Definitions
  1. A stretching or bending of the mind toward of the mind toward an object; closeness of application; fixedness of attention; earnestness.
    Intention is when the mind, with great earnestness, and of choice, fixes its view on any idea. Locke.
  2. A determination to act in a certain way or to do a certain thing; purpose; design; as, an intention to go to New York.
    Hell is paved with good intentions. Johnson.
  3. The object toward which the thoughts are directed; end; aim.
    In [chronical distempers], the principal intention is to restore the tone of the solid parts. Arbuthnot.
  4. The state of being strained. See Intension. Obs.
  5. (Logic) Any mental apprehension of an object. Syn. -- Design; purpose; object; aim; intent; drift; purport; meaning. See Design.

Webster 1913