intend

verb

in·​tend in-ˈtend How to pronounce intend (audio)
intended; intending; intends

transitive verb

1
a
: to have in mind as a purpose or goal : plan
b
: to design for a specified use or future
2
a
b
: to refer to
3
: to direct the mind on
4
archaic : to proceed on (a course)
intender noun

Examples of intend in a Sentence

I didn't intend any disrespect. We intended that she come with us.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Her kids are also receiving a more significant portion of the estate than was intended. R. Eric Thomas, The Denver Post, 16 Nov. 2024 Given the laptop-class CPU and GPU, only the RAM and storage are intended to be readily user-accessible—the chips are locked down and facing toward the cooling system that occupies the other half of the case. PCMAG, 16 Nov. 2024 The company intends to raise additional funds through public or private offerings to support its operations and business plan. Quartz Bot, Quartz, 15 Nov. 2024 Ghost network regulations are intended to keep provider listings as close to error-free as possible. Max Blau, ProPublica, 14 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for intend 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of intend was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near intend

Cite this Entry

“Intend.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intend. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

intend

verb
in·​tend in-ˈtend How to pronounce intend (audio)
: to have in mind as a purpose or aim : plan
intends to travel abroad next year

Legal Definition

intend

transitive verb
in·​tend in-ˈtend How to pronounce intend (audio)
: to have in one's mind as a purpose or goal
did not intend to kill her

More from Merriam-Webster on intend

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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