Intention (en. Intention)

/ɛ̃.tɑ̃.sjɔ̃/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
A state of mind that drives one to act in a certain way.
His intention was to pass the exam.
Son intention était de réussir à l'examen.
A goal or objective aimed at by an action.
He intended to help his friends.
Il avait l'intention d'aider ses amis.
A plan or project to do something.
She explained her intentions for the weekend.
Elle a expliqué ses intentions pour le weekend.

Etymology

From the Latin 'intentio', which means 'tension, effort, intention'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to intend to
to foresee doing something.
avoir l'intention de
to be fully intentional
to be determined to act in a certain direction.
être en pleine intention
to change one's intention
to modify one's objective or goal.
changer d'intention

Related Words

intentionality
the character of what is intentional.
intentionnalité
pretext
a reason given to justify an action, often concealing the real intention.
prétexte
intentional
which is done voluntarily, with intention.
intentionnel

Slang Meanings

to act smart with false intentions.
He pretended to want to help, but it was just to charm.
Il feignait de vouloir aider, mais c'était juste pour charmer.
to have bad intentions.
Don't be fooled, his intentions are not clear.
Ne te laisse pas avoir, ses intentions ne sont pas claires.