intend

intend — verb

1. to decide in your mind that you will do something, generally because you want a

1.verbtransitiveB1
Definition

to decide in your mind that you will do something, generally because you want a particular result or outcome.

Example

Emre intends to study medicine at university next year.

intend + to-infinitive for stating a plan

The city council intends to build more bicycle lanes by spring.

institutional subject with intend to

Common collocations
  • intend to do
  • fully intend to
  • originally intended
  • always intended
  • intend for someone to
Synonyms
  • plan

    More concrete — often implies a detailed set of steps rather than just a goal.

  • aim

    Focuses on the target or ambition rather than the steps to reach it.

  • propose

    More formal; suggests a plan put forward for discussion or approval.

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

intend + to-infinitive

intend + that-clause

intend + -ing form

intend + object + to-infinitive

Usage Note

The most common pattern is 'intend + to-infinitive' (e.g. 'intend to apply'). The that-clause pattern is more formal and less frequent in spoken English. The -ing form ('intend doing') occurs in British English but is not widely taught at B1 level.

Common Mistakes

I intend go to the party tonight.
I intend to go to the party tonight.
After 'intend', you must use the full infinitive with 'to', never a bare verb.
I intend that he will come tomorrow.
I intend for him to come tomorrow.
In everyday English, use 'intend + for + object + to-infinitive' rather than a that-clause, which sounds stiff.

2. to design or create something so that it is used for a particular purpose, or so

2.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to design or create something so that it is used for a particular purpose, or so that a particular person or group is its target user.

Example

The small room next to the kitchen is intended for use as a study.

passive: be intended for [purpose]

This online course is intended to help beginners learn basic programming skills.

passive: be intended to [do]

Common collocations
  • intended for
  • intended as
  • intended to
  • originally intended
  • specifically intended
Synonyms
  • design

    Emphasises the planning and creation stage more directly.

  • mean (for)

    More informal; 'This seat is meant for elderly passengers.'

  • destine

    More literary or formal; implies a strong sense of future purpose.

Grammar Patterns

be intended for [person/purpose]

be intended as [role/type]

be intended to [do]

Usage Note

Overwhelmingly used in the passive voice (be intended). The person who does the intending (the designer or decision-maker) is usually not mentioned. The active form, e.g. 'The designer intended this chair for outdoor use', is possible but much less common.

Common Mistakes

This seat intends for elderly passengers.
This seat is intended for elderly passengers.
Do not use active voice for the thing itself; use the passive construction 'be intended for'.
The program intends to help students.
The program is intended to help students.
Again, use the passive form when the subject is the program, not a person.

3. to have a particular idea or message in your mind when you say or do something —

3.verbtransitiveB2
Definition

to have a particular idea or message in your mind when you say or do something — in other words, what you mean by your words or actions.

Example

Gabriel apologised straight away; he had not intended any offence by his joke.

intend + noun object (offence / harm / disrespect)

What did the director intend to say in the final scene of the film?

Common collocations
  • intend by
  • intended as
  • intend no offence
  • intend no harm
Synonyms
  • mean

    More common in everyday speech; 'What do you mean by that?' is the typical phrasing.

  • refer to

    More specific — points to a particular thing or idea rather than a general message.

  • signify

    More formal; often used for symbolic or conventional meanings.

Grammar Patterns

What + do/does/did + subject + intend by [words/actions]?

be intended as [interpretation]

intend + object + to-infinitive

intend + that-clause

Usage Note

Often appears in questions seeking clarification ('What do you intend by…?'). The preposition 'by' introduces the words, action, or gesture being interpreted. 'Be intended as' is common when correcting a misunderstanding about the speaker's aim.

Common Mistakes

What do you intend with that remark?
What do you intend by that remark?
Use 'by', not 'with', when asking about the meaning behind words or actions.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All four words describe thinking about a future action, but they differ in concreteness and formality. 'Intend' is the broadest: it states what someone has in mind to do, without saying how detailed the thinking is. 'Plan' is more concrete — it suggests a specific set of steps ('We plan to hire three new staff'). 'Aim' focuses on the desired outcome rather than the process ('She aims to become a manager within two years'). 'Propose' is more formal and often social: you put an idea forward for others to consider ('He proposed a joint research project'). In everyday conversation, 'intend' and 'plan' are the most common. Use 'aim' when emphasising the target, and 'propose' in meetings or formal writing.

intend ↗plan ↗aim ↗propose ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • intend + purpose
  • intend + goal
  • intend + meaning

Adverbs

  • fully intend
  • originally intend
  • clearly intend
  • always intend
  • specifically intend

Phrases

  • be intended for
  • be intended as
  • be intended to

Prepositions

  • intend for
  • intend as
  • intend by

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

From Latin intendere, meaning 'to stretch out, aim, direct one's attention toward', formed from in- 'toward' + tendere 'to stretch'. The sense of 'having a plan' developed through the idea of 'directing one's mind toward a goal'.