Difference Wiki

Intent vs. Purpose

Intent and Purpose Definitions

Intent

Something that is intended; an aim or purpose.

Purpose

The object toward which one strives or for which something exists; an aim or goal
Her purpose in coming here is to talk to you. The purpose of an airliner is to transport people.

Intent

(Law) The state of mind necessary for an act to constitute a crime.

Purpose

Determination; resolution
He was a man of purpose.

Intent

Firmly fixed; concentrated
An intent gaze.

Purpose

To intend or resolve
"the gap between what is said and what is purposed" (Ian Donaldson).
ADVERTISEMENT

Intent

Having the attention applied; engrossed
The students, intent upon their books, did not hear me enter the room.

Purpose

The end for which something is done, is made or exists.
What is the purpose of your visit?
My purpose in coming to Egypt was simply to take it en route to the desert.
It has been my purpose to illustrate rather than to explain.
The exceptionally small gate-leg table served the purpose of a tea table admirably.
The purpose of the device is to prevent the breechblock from opening accidentally should the gun be held barrel down.
The purpose of this letter is to set the record straight.
The purpose of this book is to study the interrelationship of government and religion.
The device can be used for both civilian and military purposes.
The purpose of turning off the lights overnight is to save energy.

Intent

Having the mind and will focused on a specific purpose
Was intent on leaving within the hour.
Are intent upon being recognized.

Purpose

Function, role.

Intent

Something that is intended.

Purpose

(Sense of having a) meaning for existing or doing something.
ADVERTISEMENT

Intent

(legal) The state of someone’s mind at the time of committing an offence.

Purpose

Resolution; determination.

Intent

Firmly fixed or concentrated on something.
A mind intent on self-improvement

Purpose

(obsolete) The subject of discourse; the point at issue.

Intent

Engrossed.

Purpose

(transitive) To have or set as one's purpose or aim; resolve to accomplish; intend; plan.
ADVERTISEMENT

Intent

Unwavering from a course of action.

Purpose

(intransitive) To have (an) intention, purpose, or design; to intend; to mean.

Intent

Closely directed; strictly attentive; bent; - said of the mind, thoughts, etc.; as, a mind intent on self-improvement.

Purpose

To discourse.

Intent

Having the mind closely directed to or bent on an object; sedulous; eager in pursuit of an object; - formerly with to, but now with on; as, intent on business or pleasure.
Be intent and solicitous to take up the meaning of the speaker.

Purpose

That which a person sets before himself as an object to be reached or accomplished; the end or aim to which the view is directed in any plan, measure, or exertion; view; aim; design; intention; plan.
He will his firste purpos modify.
As my eternal purpose hath decreed.
The flighty purpose never is o'ertookUnless the deed go with it.

Intent

The act of turning the mind toward an object; hence, a design; a purpose; intention; meaning; drift; aim.
Be thy intents wicked or charitable.
The principal intent of Scripture is to deliver the laws of duties supernatural.

Purpose

Proposal to another; discourse.

Intent

An anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions;
His intent was to provide a new translation
Good intentions are not enough
It was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs
He made no secret of his designs

Purpose

Instance; example.

Intent

The intended meaning of a communication

Purpose

To set forth; to bring forward.

Intent

Directed with intense concentration;
A fixed stare
An intent gaze

Purpose

To propose, as an aim, to one's self; to determine upon, as some end or object to be accomplished; to intend; to design; to resolve; - often followed by an infinitive or dependent clause.
Did nothing purpose against the state.
I purpose to write the history of England from the accession of King James the Second down to a time which is within the memory of men still living.

Intent

Wholly absorbed as in thought;
Deep in thought
That engrossed look or rapt delight
The book had her totally engrossed
Enwrapped in dreams
So intent on this fantastic...narrative that she hardly stirred
Rapt with wonder
Wrapped in thought

Purpose

To have a purpose or intention; to discourse.

Purpose

An anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions;
His intent was to provide a new translation
Good intentions are not enough
It was created with the conscious aim of answering immediate needs
He made no secret of his designs

Purpose

What something is used for;
The function of an auger is to bore holes
Ballet is beautiful but what use is it?

Purpose

The quality of being determined to do or achieve something;
His determination showed in his every movement
He is a man of purpose

Purpose

Propose or intend;
I aim to arrive at noon

Purpose

Reach a decision;
He resolved never to drink again

Trending Comparisons

New Comparisons