- intent (n.)
- "purpose," early 13c., from O.Fr. entente, from L.L. intentus "attention," from L. intentus (fem. intentia), pp. of intendere "stretch out, lean toward, strain," lit. "stretched out" (see intend). Intentionally "on purpose" is from 1660s.
- intent (adj.)
- "very attentive," 1606, from L. intentus "attentive, eager, strained," pp. of intendere "to strain, stretch" (see intend).