How to pronounce intent
Say it like in-TENT. Intent has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TENT).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce intent. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- TENT
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Intent pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- inGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- TENTSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
American vs British pronunciation of intent
American and British speakers say intent in essentially the same way: /ˌɪnˈtɛnt/ in the US and /ɪnˈtɛnt/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-TENT.
What does intent mean?
- an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions“his intent was to provide a new translation”“good intentions are not enough”
- the intended meaning of a communication
- giving or marked by complete attention to“that engrossed look or rapt delight”“enwrapped in dreams”
Where does intent come from?
Existing since Middle English entente, from Old French entent or entente, ultimately from Latin intentus.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with intent
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of intent.
Questions about saying intent
How do you pronounce intent?
Say in-TENT. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˈtɛnt/. In British English it is /ɪnˈtɛnt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in intent?
Intent has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TENT). Broken into parts: in · TENT.
Do Americans and Brits say intent the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪnˈtɛnt/ and the British form is /ɪnˈtɛnt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.