Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - intent

 I. noun  Etymology: Middle English entente, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin ~us, from Latin, act of stretching out, from intendere  Date: 13th century  1.  a. the act or fact of intending ; purpose; especially the design or purpose to commit a wrongful or criminal act admitted wounding him with ~  b. the state of mind with which an act is done ; volition  2. a usually clearly formulated or planned ~ion ; aim the director's ~  3.  a. meaning, significance  b. connotation 3  Synonyms: see ~ion  II. adjective  Etymology: Latin ~us, from past participle of intendere  Date: 14th century  1. directed with strained or eager attention ; concentrated  2. having the mind, attention, or will concentrated on something or some end or purpose ~ on their work  • ~ly adverb  • ~ness noun