intentional

[in-ten-shuh-nl]

adjective

1. done with intention or on purpose; intended.

   an intentional insult.

   Synonyms: planned, designed
   Antonyms: accidental

2. of or relating to intention or purpose.

3. Metaphysics.

   1. pertaining to an appearance, phenomenon, or representation in the mind; phenomenal; representational.

   2. pertaining to the capacity of the mind to refer to an existent or nonexistent object.

   3. pointing beyond itself, as consciousness or a sign.

intentional

/ ɪnˈtɛnʃənəl /

adjective

1. performed by or expressing intention; deliberate

2. of or relating to intention or purpose

3. philosophy

   1. of or relating to the capacity of the mind to refer to different kinds of objects

   2. (of an object) existing only as the object of some mental attitude rather than in reality, as a unicorn in she hopes to meet a unicorn See also intensional

Other Word Forms

• intentionality noun
• intentionally adverb
• subintentional adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of intentional¹

First recorded in 1520–30; intention + -al ¹

Synonym Study

See deliberate.

Example Sentences

I think that there are some intentional differences with this show, and in the sense that we didn’t want to repeat aspects of “The Office.”

From Los Angeles Times

And no matter the occasion, Hurtado led this intentional lifestyle wearing a wardrobe she crafted entirely for herself.

From Los Angeles Times

Emani Ellis sued Cardi B for $24 million, accusing her of assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress in the aftermath of a confrontation in a hallway outside of an obstetrician’s office.

From Los Angeles Times

The jury took only about an hour to clear the Grammy-winning rapper of the allegations of assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress as well as negligence and false imprisonment.

From BBC

Ms Ellis sued the star in 2020 for assault, battery and intentional infliction of emotional distress as well as negligence and false imprisonment.

From BBC

Related Words

• calculated 
• premeditated 
• voluntary 
• willful