inteso

Inteso is an Italian term that can function as the past participle of the verb intendere or as an adjective meaning understood, meant, or intended. It is used to express comprehension, intention, or status of understanding in various contexts. In phrases such as è inteso che, the word introduces what is understood or presumed, often in formal or contractual language. The related noun intesa refers to an understanding or agreement, especially in diplomatic or business settings; un’intesa is a commonly used form when emphasizing an explicit agreement between parties. The masculine plural forms are intesi and the feminine plural forms are intese.

Etymology and forms: Inteso derives from the Latin verb intendere, meaning to direct, strive toward, or understand. The participle agrees in gender and number with the subject, yielding inteso (masculine singular), intesa (feminine singular), intesi (masculine plural), and intese (feminine plural). In everyday use, inteso often conveys the sense of something understood or implied, while intesa emphasizes a formal agreement or shared understanding.

Usage notes: The phrase è inteso che is a common way to introduce a clause specifying what is understood, for example, È inteso che i costi restano a carico dell’azienda. In sentences about understanding, one can say Ho inteso le sue parole, meaning I understood his words. The term inteso is more about understanding or intention, whereas intesa (the noun) denotes a concrete accord or mutual understanding between parties.

See also: intendere, intesa, inteso as a participle, intesi.