Intent Meaning
Intent Definition & Usage
A mental state of determination or purpose towards a particular goal or outcome.
Examples
- "Her intent was clear: she would finish the project before the deadline."
- "He had no intent to deceive anyone, but his actions were misunderstood."
- "The intent behind his gift was to show his appreciation."
- "His intent to change careers became obvious after he enrolled in new courses."
- "The intent of the law is to protect consumers from unfair practices."
The state of mind required to commit a crime, often determining the severity of the charge.
Examples
- "The prosecution argued that the defendant acted with intent to harm."
- "In legal cases, proving intent is often more difficult than proving the act itself."
- "A crime committed with intent is typically treated more harshly than one committed in the heat of passion."
- "Intent is a key factor in distinguishing between manslaughter and murder."
- "The jury had to decide whether the defendant's actions were motivated by malice or simply negligence."
Showing a deliberate or purposeful effort towards a specific action.
Examples
- "The intent expression on his face made it clear that he was not joking."
- "Her intent focus on the task was admirable, as she worked tirelessly without distraction."
- "He made an intent effort to learn the language quickly."
- "The team’s intent actions helped them secure the victory."
- "She gave him an intent look, signaling that she was serious about the conversation."
Cultural Context
The word 'intent' originates from the Latin 'intendere', meaning to stretch towards, to aim at, or to focus. It conveys a sense of purpose and focus, often seen as an internal, mental state. In modern usage, it covers a wide range of contexts, from personal goals to legal definitions.
The Intent of the Artist
Story
The Intent of the Artist
In a quiet corner of a bustling city, there was a small art studio where Elena, an artist, spent most of her days. Her works were diverse, ranging from intricate portraits to expansive landscapes, but what all her art had in common was her deep intent to capture raw human emotion. Elena wasn't interested in perfection; she was interested in truth. One afternoon, as she worked on a new piece, a young man named Mark entered the studio. He had heard about her work through a friend and was curious about the artist's process. As he watched her paint, he asked, 'What’s your intent with this piece?' Elena paused, considering the question. 'My intent is simple,' she said, her eyes never leaving the canvas. 'I want people to feel something. I don’t care if they like it or hate it, I just want them to feel something real.' Mark nodded, intrigued by her directness. As he left, he couldn’t shake the feeling that her work wasn’t just about creating beautiful images, but about communicating an internal, unspoken truth. Weeks later, Mark found himself returning to the studio, this time to speak with Elena about a personal project he had. Over coffee, he told her about his intent to start a charity to help local youth find their creative outlets. Elena listened intently, offering him advice and encouragement. 'Your intent is powerful,' she said. 'Don’t let anyone sway you from that.' In the end, it wasn’t just her art that had left an impression on him—it was her intent, her unwavering focus on her goals and values. Elena’s influence would continue to guide him as he pursued his own path, both in art and in life.
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