intent

Where does the word "intent" come from? It comes from Latin intentus, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).

Intent’s story begins in Latin: intentus meant “stretched toward.” 'in-' plus 'tendere', to stretch. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as entent. A mind stretched toward a goal. It reached English by 1200s as intent. 'intent on' dates from the 1600s. Today, intent means intention; determined.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient intentus "stretched toward", 'in-' plus 'tendere', to stretch.
2. Stage 2 · Old French · medieval entent "purpose", a mind stretched toward a goal.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1200s intent "purpose", 'intent on' dates from the 1600s.