intent
intent — adjective
1. showing complete focus on what you are doing, so that you notice little else aro
showing complete focus on what you are doing, so that you notice little else around you.
Hannah was so intent on her painting that she forgot about lunch.
intent on + noun for complete focus
The dog watched the gate with an intent expression, waiting for its owner.
Ezra listened with an intent gaze, not wanting to miss a single word.
The children's intent faces showed how much they loved the story.
- distracted
opposite of focused; unable to concentrate
- inattentive
formal opposite; not paying attention
文法句型
be intent on + noun/gerund
用法筆記
Usually used in the pattern 'be intent on something' or as an attributive adjective before nouns like 'gaze', 'look', or 'expression'.
常見錯誤
2. firmly determined to achieve a particular goal, especially when this requires ef
firmly determined to achieve a particular goal, especially when this requires effort or persistence.
The school is intent on improving reading scores by the end of the year.
intent on + gerund for determination
Rodrigo was intent on finishing the marathon, despite the pain in his leg.
Despite the setbacks, the research team remained intent on finding a cure.
The company seems intent on cutting costs wherever possible this quarter.
- hesitant
uncertain or unwilling to act
- indecisive
unable to make a clear decision
文法句型
be intent on + gerund/noun
用法筆記
Frequently used in the pattern 'be intent on + gerund'. Unlike 'determined', 'intent' does not pair with 'to' + infinitive ('She is intent to win' is incorrect). Compare with the adjective sense FOCUSED: the DETERMINED sense emphasises a goal or outcome, not the quality of attention itself.
常見錯誤
intent — noun
1. a clear plan or purpose that a person wants and intends to carry out.
a clear plan or purpose that a person wants and intends to carry out.
Vikram signed a letter of intent to buy the old warehouse on River Road.
collocation: letter of intent
It was never her intent to upset anyone with her comments.
The government declared its intent to build more affordable housing in the city.
Marcus made no secret of his intent to run for Parliament in the next election.
文法句型
intent + to-infinitive
intent of + noun
intent to + verb
用法筆記
Often used in formal contexts (legal documents, official statements). In everyday speech, 'intention' is more common than 'intent'. The phrase 'letter of intent' is a standard term in business and law.
常見錯誤
2. the meaning or message that someone truly wants to express through their words o
the meaning or message that someone truly wants to express through their words or actions, especially when it is different from what is actually understood.
The intent of the new law was to protect small business owners from unfair competition.
pattern: the intent of [document/law]
His words were kind, but critics questioned the real intent behind his speech.
A good reader looks beyond the literal words and understands the author's intent.
The intent of the original contract was clear, but later changes made it confusing.
- meaning
more general and broader; 'intent' adds the idea of the communicator's deliberate purpose
- significance
focuses on importance rather than the specific message intended
- spirit
as in 'the spirit of the law'; contrasts with the literal wording
文法句型
[possessive] intent behind + noun
the intent of + noun
用法筆記
Common in discussions of literature, law, and communication. Often used in the phrase 'the author's intent' or 'the intent of the law'. Distinguish from the PURPOSE sense: this sense focuses on what a statement/document means, not on what someone plans to do.