Meaning & use
intentions
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“intentions” is a form of “intention”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
nounplural
The things that someone plans or means to do, or the aims behind their actions.
Grammar: Plural form of intention; often followed by to: her intentions to retire.
Patterns
- intentions to do something
- someone's intentions towards someone
She made her intentions clear before the meeting began.
He had good intentions, but the surprise ruined the party.
The company announced its intentions to open ten new stores.
nounusually pluralold-fashioned
A person's plans about marrying or courting someone, in a traditional or old-fashioned sense.
Grammar: Used with possessives and honorable: his intentions are serious.
Patterns
- someone's intentions towards someone
Her father asked about his intentions towards his daughter.
The young man declared his intentions honorable.
Word forms
| singular | intention |
|---|
Common combinations
- good intentions
- The road to regret is paved with good intentions.
- declare your intentions
- He declared his intentions to run for mayor.
- hidden intentions
- I suspect she has hidden intentions.
- honorable intentions
- He assured them his intentions were honorable.
- clear intentions
- The report states clear intentions for the budget.
- misread someone's intentions
- You misread my intentions completely.
Synonyms and how they differ
- aims
- Aims suggests goals you are working toward, while intentions can also be vague plans.
- plans
- Plans are more detailed and organized than intentions.
- purposes
- Purposes focuses on the reason behind actions, and is more formal.
- motives
- Motives asks why someone acts, often with suspicion, whereas intentions asks what they plan.
Opposites
Word family
- intention noun
- a plan or aim
- intend verb
- to plan to do something
- intentional adjective
- done on purpose
- unintentional adjective
- not done on purpose
- intentionally adverb
- on purpose
Commonly confused: intentions or intensions?
intentions vs intensions
Intensions is a rare logic term and not a plural of intention; use intentions for plans.
Practice
'I had no intentions ____ upsetting you.'
Choose one answer.
Intentions is followed by of plus an -ing verb. With, for and by do not form this pattern.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “intentions”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.