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Intent vs Tendency - What's the difference?

intent | tendency |

As nouns the difference between intent and tendency

is that intent is a purpose; something that is intended while tendency is a likelihood of behaving in a particular way or going in a particular direction; a tending toward.

As an adjective intent

is firmly fixed or concentrated on something.

intent

English

Alternative forms

* entent (obsolete)

Noun

  • A purpose; something that is intended.
  • (legal) The state of someone’s mind at the time of committing an offence.

    • Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Firmly fixed or concentrated on something.
  • :
  • *2014 , Daniel Taylor, " World Cup 2014: Uruguay sink England as Suárez makes his mark," guardian.co.uk , 20 June:
  • *:Uruguay were quick to the ball, strong in the tackle and seemed intent on showing they were a better team than had been apparent in their defeat to Costa Rica.
  • *
  • *:And it was while all were passionately intent upon the pleasing and snake-like progress of their uncle that a young girl in furs, ascending the stairs two at a time, peeped perfunctorily into the nursery as she passed the hallway—and halted amazed.
  • Engrossed.
  • Unwavering from a course of action.

    • Related terms

    * for all intents and purposes * intend * intense * intention * intensive * intent on * intently * to all intents and purposes * with intent

    tendency

    English

    Noun

    (tendencies)
  • A likelihood of behaving in a particular way or going in a particular direction; a tending toward.
    • Denim has a tendency to fade.
  • An organised unit or faction within a larger political organisation.
    • a militant tendency

    Derived terms

    * multitendency

    Synonyms

    * inclination * disposition * propensity * penchant * trend