intentionally - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
intentionally Word Meanings
- done on purpose
- deliberate and planned
- intended or meant
intentionally Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
- She made an intentional choice to help him.
- His smile was intentional and warm.
- They had an intentional plan for the project.
- Her words were thoughtful and intentional.
- He took intentional steps to improve his health.
intentionally Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ɪnˈtɛnʃənl/
US
/ɪnˈtɛnʃənl/
intentionally Word Etymology
intentional = intent + -ional; Origin: Latin 'intentionem' → Old French → English. Imagine someone carefully making plans, with a clear goal in mind, signifying their deliberate actions.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Intentional means done on purpose, not by chance. It signals planning, awareness, and deliberation behind an action. In English you can say someone acted intentionally or that an action was intentional, and you often contrast with accidental or unintentional. The word collocates with adjectives such as careful, deliberate, and conscious, and with verbs like design, plan, and intend. Learners often confuse it with the adverb intentionally, which describes how something is done, not what was done. Remember that intentional describes the action itself, not a person’s feelings or luck.
Usage Reminders
- Remember that intentional describes the action itself, not the person.
- Use with nouns like action or decision, not with emotions.
- When describing how it was done, prefer intentionally (adverb) for the verb.
- Pair with adjectives such as deliberate, careful, or conscious.
- Contrast with accidental or unintentional to show a lack of chance.
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing intent with intention; intentional describes the action, not the goal's existence.
- Thinking intentional describes a person's feelings or character rather than the action.
- Confusing with intentionally; the adverb describes how something is done, not what was done.
- Assuming intentional only applies to negative acts; it can describe positive, neutral, or negative actions.
- Using intentional when 'deliberate' or 'planned' would be more natural with a noun phrase.
Thinking Differences
English tends to separate intent (purpose) from execution; learners may overemphasize moral judgment or confuse intent with motivation. In many other languages, a single word often covers intention and purpose with less nuance, so practice distinguishing intent (what you want to achieve) from the act (how you do it).
Learning Tips
- 1. Learn common collocations: intentional act, intentional harm, intentional decision.
- 2. Practice the contrast with accidental and unintentional.
- 3. Remember to use intentionally for how something is done.
- 4. Create your own sentences linking intention and outcome.
- 5. Read many examples to see noun phrases with intentional.
- 6. Test yourself by rewriting sentences replacing accidental with intentional.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'intentionally'?
A.Deliberately
B.Accidentally
C.Spontaneously
D.Inadvertently
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'intentionally' correctly?
A.He intentionally helped his friend.
B.She unintentionally broke the vase.
C.They accidentally planned the party.
D.We deliberately forgot the appointment.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'intentionally'?
A.Unintentionally
B.Accidentally
C.Randomly
D.Purposely
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym for 'intentionally'?
A.Consciously
B.Inadvertently
C.Willfully
D.Voluntarily
Step 5: Mastery
How would you apply the word 'intentionally' in a real-life situation?
A.Accidentally spilling a drink during a toast
B.Forgetting an important meeting on purpose
C.Planning a surprise birthday party for a friend
D.Choosing a random movie to watch
Related Listening
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