intentional

[ in-ten-shuh-nl ]

adjective

1. done with intention or on purpose; intended:

   an intentional insult.

   Synonyms: planned, designed

   Antonyms: accidental

2. of or relating to intention or purpose.
3. Metaphysics.
   1. pertaining to an appearance, phenomenon, or representation in the mind; phenomenal; representational.
   2. pertaining to the capacity of the mind to refer to an existent or nonexistent object.
   3. pointing beyond itself, as consciousness or a sign.

intentional

/ ɪnˈtɛnʃənəl /

adjective

1. performed by or expressing intention; deliberate
2. of or relating to intention or purpose
3. philosophy
   1. of or relating to the capacity of the mind to refer to different kinds of objects
   2. (of an object) existing only as the object of some mental attitude rather than in reality, as a unicorn in she hopes to meet a unicorn See also intensional

Derived Forms

• inˌtentionˈality, noun
• inˈtentionally, adverb

Other Words From

• in·ten·tion·al·i·ty [in-ten-sh, uh, -, nal, -i-tee], noun
• in·ten·tion·al·ly adverb
• sub·in·ten·tion·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of intentional¹

First recorded in 1520–30; intention + -al ¹

Synonym Study

See deliberate.

Example Sentences

“We’ve been very intentional, because after the transition to affordable, we want to guarantee that they’re going to remain affordable,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Managing director Rawdon Glover said taking new cars off sale was "intentional" as it looked to create a barrier between the old models and the new Jaguar vehicles.

From BBC

In a statement, Ms. Rosenbury, who left Florida in 2023 to become president of Barnard College, said the school’s efforts were part of an intentional plan funded by the university, the state and donors.

From New York Times

It’s also a test, intentional or not: Just how loyal is the rest of the GOP?

From Salon

However, Mr Bailey said the prosecution's case was that Ms Riaz's injuries were caused by "sustained, persistent, deliberate, and intentional application of severe force".

From BBC

Related Words

• calculated
• premeditated
• voluntary
• willful