How to pronounce intention
Say it like in-TEN-chun. Intention has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEN).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce intention. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- in
- TEN
- chun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Intention 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.
- TENSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- chunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of intention
American and British speakers say intention in essentially the same way: /ˌɪnˈtɛntʃən/ in the US and /ɪnˈtɛnʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: in-TEN-shun.
What does intention 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”
- (usually plural) the goal with respect to a marriage proposal“his intentions are entirely honorable”
- an act of intending; a volition that you intend to carry out“my intention changed once I saw her”
Where does intention come from?
From Middle English entencioun, intention, from Old French entencion, from Latin intentiō, intentiōnem.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with intention
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of intention.
Questions about saying intention
How do you pronounce intention?
Say in-TEN-chun. The American pronunciation is /ˌɪnˈtɛntʃən/. In British English it is /ɪnˈtɛnʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in intention?
Intention has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TEN). Broken into parts: in · TEN · chun.
Do Americans and Brits say intention the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌɪnˈtɛntʃən/ and the British form is /ɪnˈtɛnʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.