Etymology Map
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Intent

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means intention; determined

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

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

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.