good intent

Meanings

1. 1noununcountableformal

   A kind or honest purpose behind what someone does, whatever the result.

   Grammar: Often used without an article: acting with good intent.

   Patterns

   • act with good intent
   • of good intent

   She acted with good intent, even though it failed.

   The rule was made in good intent.

   He asked questions with good intent.

2. 2noununcountablelegal

   In law, an honest purpose that can protect a person from blame.

   Grammar: Used in legal discussion.

   Patterns

   • in good intent

   The court accepted he acted in good intent.

   Good intent was not enough to avoid the fine.

   They proved good intent.

Common combinations

act with good intent

I acted with good intent.

show good intent

He tried to show good intent.

assume good intent

Always assume good intent.

in good intent

It was done in good intent.

Synonyms and how they differ

good faith

Good faith stresses honesty in dealings, especially in law.

good intentions

Good intentions is the common plural form and sounds more natural in speech.

benevolence

Benevolence is a general kindness, not a specific purpose.

Opposites

Word family

intent noun

purpose

intention noun

a plan

intentional adjective

done on purpose

intentionally adverb

deliberately

Commonly confused: good intent or intense?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “good intent”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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