intend
UK[ɪnˈtɛnd]US[ɪnˈtɛnd]
v
To have a plan, result, or purpose in your mind when you do something.
v
To plan that something should be or do something.
Morpheme Breakdown
in
tend
in
towards
tend
stretch
Etymology
The verb "intend" originates from the Latin intendere, a compound of in- ("towards") and tendere ("to stretch"). The literal sense was "to stretch one's mind or attention towards something," implying a directed effort or purpose. This core idea of mental direction evolved through Old French entendre before entering Middle English, where it solidified around the concept of having a specific plan or objective in mind. Thus, the modern abstract meaning of planning or purposing is a direct metaphorical extension from the physical act of stretching one's focus toward a target.
Analysis
Structure: in (towards) + tend (stretch)
- in: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "towards, into, upon".
- tend: From Latin tendere, meaning "to stretch, strive, extend".
Examples
I intend to finish this report by the end of the day.
The course is intended for complete beginners.
He intended no harm; it was simply a misunderstanding.