intention

noun Date: 14th century 1. a determination to act in a certain way ; resolve 2. import, significance 3. a. what one intends to do or bring about b. the object for which a prayer, mass, or pious act is offered 4. a process or manner of healing of incised wounds 5. concept; especially a concept considered as the product of attention directed to an object of knowledge 6. plural purpose with respect to marriage Synonyms: intention, intent, purpose, design, aim, end, object, objective, goal mean what one intends to accomplish or attain. intention implies little more than what one has in mind to do or bring about <

announced his intention to marry

>. intent suggests clearer formulation or greater deliberateness <

the clear intent of the statute

>. purpose suggests a more settled determination <

being successful was her purpose in life

>. design implies a more carefully calculated plan <

the order of events came by accident, not design

>. aim adds to these implications of effort directed toward attaining or accomplishing <

her aim was to raise film to an art form

>. end stresses the intended effect of action often in distinction or contrast to the action or means as such <

willing to use any means to achieve his end

>. object may equal end but more often applies to a more individually determined wish or need <

his constant object was the achievement of pleasure

>. objective implies something tangible and immediately attainable <

their objective is to seize the oil fields

>. goal suggests something attained only by prolonged effort and hardship <

worked years to reach her goals

>.