intended
B2formal, neutral
Definition
Meaning
planned or meant to happen; deliberate
also refers to a person one is engaged to marry; something with a specific purpose or design in mind.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As an adjective, often implies forethought or purpose. As a noun ('my intended'), it is somewhat dated/formal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Noun usage ('my intended') is equally formal/dated in both. The verb/adjective forms are identical in usage.
Connotations
In legal/business contexts, may carry a stronger implication of formal purpose (e.g., intended recipient).
Frequency
Common in both varieties; no significant frequency difference.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be intended for + noun/gerund (The book is intended for students)be intended to + infinitive (This measure is intended to reduce costs)intended as + noun (The comment was intended as a joke)intended + noun (the intended recipient)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the road to hell is paved with good intentions (related concept)”
- “no offense intended”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Referring to strategy, market, or product purpose (e.g., 'the intended market segment').
Academic
Describing the aim of a study, hypothesis, or theoretical construct.
Everyday
Explaining purpose or clarifying meaning (e.g., 'That's not what I intended to say').
Technical
In engineering/design, specifying the designed function or operational parameters.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She had always intended to study at university.
- I intended no disrespect by my comment.
American English
- We fully intended to finish the project on schedule.
- The law was intended to protect consumers.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The gift was intended for you.
- I intended to call you yesterday.
- The movie is intended for a teenage audience.
- Her remarks were intended to be helpful.
- The new policy had several unintended consequences, despite its intended benefits.
- He introduced himself to his intended's parents.
- The architect's intended juxtaposition of old and new materials was widely praised by critics.
- The treaty's vaguely worded clauses failed to achieve its intended diplomatic detente.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'IN+TEND+ED' – you have a 'tendency' IN your mind toward a specific plan or goal.
Conceptual Metaphor
PURPOSE IS A DESTINATION (e.g., 'We arrived at the intended conclusion'), THINKING IS DIRECTING (e.g., 'He intended his remarks towards the committee').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'intentional' which is closer to 'преднамеренный'. 'Intended' is often better translated as 'предназначенный' or 'имевшийся в виду'.
- The noun 'intended' (жених/невеста) is a false friend for Russian 'интендант' (quartermaster).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'intended to' without 'be' (Wrong: 'He intended to help' vs. Adjective: 'It was intended to help').
- Overusing as a synonym for 'wanted' (It's more about plan than desire).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'intended' as a noun?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Intended' focuses more on the prior plan or purpose ('the intended route'), while 'intentional' emphasizes the deliberate, conscious nature of the act itself ('an intentional foul'). They are often interchangeable, but 'intentional' is stronger for volition.
It can be both. It is the past tense and past participle of the verb 'intend'. It is also used as an adjective (the intended target) and, less commonly, as a formal noun (referring to a fiancé(e)).
Yes, frequently. Legal documents use it to specify purpose, e.g., 'intended beneficiary', 'intended use', to establish the planned application or recipient as defined by an agreement or will.
Yes, 'well-intended' (often hyphenated) is a common adjective meaning 'motivated by good intentions', though it often implies the outcome may not have been good (similar to 'well-meaning').
Explore