Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈtɛnʃənl/

Definitions

• Done on purpose, with a specific intention or goal in mind.
• Characterized by deliberate planning or design rather than being accidental.
• In philosophy, referring to actions that are guided by conscious mental states or purposes.

Usage Examples

• "His intentional disregard for the rules resulted in his disqualification."
• "The meeting was intentional, planned to address a specific issue."
• "The artist’s intentional use of bold colors conveyed emotion."

Etymology

From Latin "intentionalis," which derives from "intentio" meaning "purpose" or "aim." The word has been used in English since the 14th century, originally referring to something that was directed toward a specific goal or purpose.

Synonyms

• Deliberate
• Planned
• Purposive
• Intent
• Conscious

Antonyms

• Accidental
• Unintentional
• Inadvertent
• Random

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The word "intentional" is pronounced similarly across different dialects of English, although in some accents the emphasis may shift slightly from the second to the first syllable.

Historical Usage

The term "intentional" has been in use since the 16th century, used to describe actions that are planned or deliberate. It became particularly significant in legal and moral philosophy, where it is used to differentiate between purposeful and accidental actions.

Cultural Nuances

In some cultures, intentionality is central to ethical reasoning. For instance, in legal systems, intentional acts are treated more severely than accidental ones. In philosophy, intentional actions are often tied to concepts of free will and moral responsibility.

More Information

"Intentional" refers to actions that are carried out with a clear purpose or plan. It is often contrasted with accidental or unintentional acts, and plays a crucial role in fields like law, ethics, and psychology. Understanding whether an action is intentional or not can determine its consequences, especially in legal contexts where intent is a critical factor in deciding guilt or innocence.