Intentionally

Intentionally is the adverb form of the adjective intentional. It means performed with intention, purpose, or a conscious decision. It denotes that an action was planned or aimed at a particular outcome rather than arising by accident or chance. In everyday usage it is synonymous with deliberately or on purpose. The term is often contrasted with accidentally or inadvertently.

Intentionally derives from intent, which comes from Latin intendere, meaning to aim at or stretch toward. The noun intent is from Old French intention, with the -ly suffix forming the adverb.

In legal contexts, intentionality refers to the mental state accompanying a prohibited act. Many criminal statutes require intentional, purposeful, or knowing conduct rather than negligence or strict liability. In philosophy and cognitive science, intentionality describes the mind’s aboutness—the way mental states are directed at objects, states, or propositions. The adverb intentionally describes the manner of action rather than the content of thought.

Examples and notes: She intentionally broke the vase. She intentionally omitted the report. Note the difference between intentionally and intently; intentionally refers to purpose, while intently means with focused attention.