Key Difference – Intent vs Intend
Although the two words intend and intent looks similar, there is a difference between these two words. Hence having a clear understanding of this difference can be very beneficial. First let us define the two words. Intent can be understood as an intention or purpose that the individual has. On the other hand, intend refers to an aim or plan that the individual has. This is the key difference between the two words. Through this article let us examine this difference through examples.
What is Intent?
Intent refers to an intention or purpose. This is a noun. It can be used when one wants to speak about something that the individual wishes to achieve. Let us comprehend the usage through an example.
It was not my intent to hurt you.
Here, the speaker highlights that he or she did not mean to hurt the person being addressed. Examine how the word intent has been used in order to bring out the idea of a purpose. Let us observe another example.
Through the presentation of another character, the intent of the author becomes quite conspicuous.
Once again the word intent highlights something that the author wishes to achieve through the usage of a character.
Intent followed by the preposition ‘on’ can be used as an adjective. For example,
She was intent on finishing off the work today itself as she has several plans for the following day.
Unlike in the earlier examples, when ‘intent’ is used as an adjective it brings out a different meaning. In the example presented above, it highlights the eagerness and concentration of the individual. Now let us move on to the next word.
She was intent on finishing off the work today itself
What is Intend?
Intend can be defined in two ways. It can either be considered as having one’s aim or plan or else it can be defined as plan a particular role, use or meaning for. Intend is a verb. Let us examine the usage through some examples.
I intend to leave the city for a while.
In the example, intend to highlights a plan that the individual has.
I don’t think he intended to offend you in any way.
Once again ‘intend to’ has been used to give the idea that the individual did not plan to.
I intend to write a book about it.
In this case, ‘intend to’ has been used to reveal an aim that the individual has. As you can see, although the twos appear to be similar, when it comes to usage, there is a difference. This difference can be summarized as follows.
I intend to leave the city for a while
What is the Difference Between Intent and Intend?
Definitions of Intent and Intend:
Intent: Intent refers to an intention or purpose.
Intend: It can either be considered as having one’s aim or plan or else it can be defined as plan a particular role, use or meaning for.
Characteristics of Intent and Intend:
Parts of speech:
Intent: Intent is a noun. It can also be used as an adjective.
Intend: Intend is a verb.
Usage:
Intent: Intent is used when the individual wishes to speak of a purpose. It can also be used to denote concentration.
Intend: Intend is used to refer to a plan.
Image Courtesy:
1. Diane Coyle at work with Apple laptop-9Oct2009 By cellanr (originally posted to Flickr as Diane at work) [CC BY-SA 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons
2. “Rucksack1” by de:Benutzer:sjr – de.wikipedia (selbstfotographiert). [CC BY-SA 3.0] via Wikimedia Commons
