Maksud

Maksud is a Malay word used in Malaysia, Indonesia, and other Malay-speaking communities to refer to meaning, sense, intention, or purpose. It covers both the semantic sense of a word or sentence and the intention behind an action or statement. In everyday language, maksud is common in questions and phrases such as Apa maksud anda? (What do you mean? / What is your intention?) and maksud ayat (the meaning of a sentence). The term is widely used in dictionaries and language guides to distinguish between meaning and intent.

The word is derived from Arabic maqṣūd, meaning “intended” or “desired,” transmitted into Malay via religious and scholarly usage. The verb forms maksudkan (to mean / to intend) and bermaksud (to have the meaning / to intend) are frequently used. In modern Malay, maksud also appears in phrases such as maksud sebenar (true meaning) and maksud dan tujuan (intent and purpose).

In literature, education, and public discourse, maksud is used to discuss the intended sense of a text or the aim of a statement. It can denote both linguistic meaning and practical purpose. In contrast to niat, which often carries religious or moral nuance for intention, maksud tends to be more neutral and broad, applying to language and actions alike. Related terms include maksudnya (its meaning) and maksud ayat (the intended meaning of a sentence).