intend

verb

in-TEND/ɪnˈtɛnd/

Formsintends, intending, intended

10 meanings of intend

1
planverbtransitive or intransitive
To plan or mean to do something.
Like keeping your eyes locked on a target and not looking away.
I intend to finish the whole book this week.
She intends to win first place at the fair.
UsageUsually intend to do something: I intend to finish.
Similarplan, mean, propose, design, purpose
Note
2
mean for (a use)verbtransitive
To plan for something to be used by a certain person or in a certain way.
We intend the small bedroom for guests.
This movie is intended for adults, not for young kids.
UsageOften is intended for someone, or was intended as a joke.
Similarmean, design, earmark, designate
3
verbobsolete
To stretch something out so it spreads or swells.
Note

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Origin

This word came into English through Old French from Latin, where it meant to direct your attention toward something.

Checked 6 Nov 2026 · 2 facts

English intend came through Old French from Latin. en.wiktionary.org
The Latin source meant to direct one's attention toward something. en.wiktionary.org