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intent - Word of the Day - Sun Jan 18, 2026

Myr

Entry posted by Myr in Word of the Day

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intent - (n) - a character’s underlying purpose or aim, whether stated or implied

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His calm voice concealed an intent that only became clear at the chapter’s end.

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Author tip: Clarify intent for yourself even if the reader discovers it later.
Genre tags: Thriller, Mystery, Drama

 

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drpaladin

drpaladin 107,947
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In the legal world intent is everything.

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Bill W

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The word intent comes from Latin intentus, meaning "a stretching out" or "aim", derived from intendere ("to stretch toward", "to aim"), combining in- ("toward") and tendere ("to stretch").  It entered Middle English via Old French (entent/entente) and evolved from the literal idea of stretching oneself toward something to the figurative sense of directing one's mind or purpose toward a goal or action, a meaning present in Latin but solidified in English usage. 

According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the noun intent was first used in English during the Middle English period (1150-1500), with the earliest evidence dating back to around 1225 in the Ancrene Riwle.  The OED records the earliest evidence for the noun intent from around 1225.  The earliest use of the verb intent is recorded in the Middle English period, with evidence from before 1300 in Cursor Mundi.  Other related words are intention (noun), first recorded in 1340, and intent (adjective), with the earliest evidence is from 1606. 

Examples of "intent" used in a sentence: 
"The intent of the law is to protect consumers." 
"He was charged with assault with intent to kill." 
"Steve Fain said the union's intent is not to strike but to get a fair agreement." 
"With an intent stare, she gazed into the flames, seeming to go into a trance." 
"She thinks I'm trying to make things difficult for her, but that's not my intent."
"Both these teams have got a lot better in recent times, but the visitors always seemed intent on getting ahead of themselves here." 

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Paladin

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It was my intent to comment on today's 'word of the day' but maybe I'll be more intent on doing it tomorrow.

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drpaladin

drpaladin 107,947
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4 minutes ago, Paladin said:

It was my intent to comment on today's 'word of the day' but maybe I'll me more intent on doing it tomorrow.

If you'll me more tomorrow, let me know how it goes.

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Paladin

Paladin 18,614
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2 minutes ago, drpaladin said:

If you'll me more tomorrow, let me know how it goes.

When I don't correct typos like that, I'm even more intent on being more me tomorrow. (I blame the red wine)

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drpaladin

drpaladin 107,947
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20 hours ago, Paladin said:

When I don't correct typos like that, I'm even more intent on being more me tomorrow. (I blame the red wine)

What you can listen to as you me more.

 

 

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Bill W

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Intent in writing, often called authorial intent, is the specific purpose, aim, or reason an author has for creating a piece of work, acting as the driving force behind their choices in tone, structure, and content.  It serves to persuade, inform, entertain, or instruct the reader.  Writing with intent means making conscious, deliberate decisions to convey a clear, meaningful message. 

Key Aspects of Writing with Intent: 
The "PIE" Method: The three primary purposes are to Persuade, Inform, or Entertain. 
Defining the "Engine": Identifying the core question or reason for writing, which helps structure the narrative and keeps it focused. 
Targeting the Audience: Tailoring the language, tone, and content to connect specifically with the intended reader.
Strategic Choices: Using specific word choices, character developments, and settings that serve the overall message rather than arbitrary elements. 
Contextual Understanding: Considering the historical or cultural context that influences the message. 

Writing with intent transforms writing from a passive exercise into a focused, purposeful, and, ultimately, more effective act of communication. 

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