intention

intention [in ten′shən]

n.

[ME entencioun < OFr entencion < L intentio < pp. of intendere]

1. the act or fact of intending; determination to do a specified thing or act in a specified manner

2.

a) anything intended or planned; aim, end, or purpose

b) [pl.] purpose in regard to marriage

3. Rare meaning or import

4. Philos. the direction or orientation of the mind toward an object

5. Surgery the manner or process by which a wound heals: the three degrees ( first, second, and third intention) are distinguished by the relative amounts and types of granulation that occur

SYN.- INTENTION is the general word implying a having something in mind as a plan or design, or referring to the plan had in mind; INTENT, a somewhat formal term now largely in legal usage, connotes more deliberation [assault with intent to kill ]; PURPOSE connotes still greater resolution in the plan [my purpose in writing you ]; AIM refers to a specific intention and connotes a directing of all efforts toward this [his aim is to become a doctor ]; GOAL suggests laborious effort in striving to attain something [the presidency was the goal of his ambition ]; END² emphasizes the final result one hopes to achieve as distinct from the process of achieving it [does a desirable end justify the use of immoral means? ]; OBJECT is used of an end that is the direct result of a need or desire [the object of the discussion was to arouse controversy ]; OBJECTIVE refers to a specific end that is capable of being reached [her immediate objective is to pass the course ]