3 syllables: in, ten, tions. Stress on ten.
/ˌɪˈntɛntʃənz/
Say it backIntents or aims; a plan or purpose behind actions. In everyday use, intentions denote what someone intends to do, rather than what they have done. The word refers to motive or direction, often discussed in planning, promises, or explanations about future behavior.
"She clarified her intentions for joining the project."
"Despite his friendly tone, his intentions seemed suspicious."
"The manager asked about their true intentions before sharing confidential information."
Pronounce as in- TEN - shənz with the stress on the second syllable: /ɪnˈtɛn.ʃənz/ in US/UK. Start with a short /ɪ/; then a clear /t/ release, followed by /ɛn/ or /ɛn/ with a stressed syllable, then a palatal /ˈʃən/ cluster moving into the final /z/.
Common errors include misplacing stress (trying to stress the first syllable), pronouncing /t/ too softly leading to a flapped or glottal stop, and shortening the final -ions to /ənz/ instead of /ənz/. Correct by emphasizing the /ˈtɛn/ through a clear alveolar stop and keeping the final /z/ voiced; ensure the /ʃ/ is a distinct sound rather than a /s/ or /ʃ/ merged.
In US/UK, the main feature is rhoticity: /ɪnˈtɛn.ʃənz/ with a clear /r/ absence in non-rhotic UK accents. UK often reduces the first syllable more and uses a lighter /t/ release; AU tends toward clearer vowel sounds and a slightly longer /ɪ/ in first vowel with less contrast between /ɪ/ and /ɛ/. The /ʃənz/ segment remains fairly consistent, but vowel quality and flapping may vary.” ,
Because it blends a mistimed /t/ release, a palatal /ʃ/ cluster, and a plural ending /-ənz/. The inter-syllabic /ɛn/ can be reduced in casual speech, and the /t/ can be unreleased in rapid speech, changing the perceived syllable count. Paying attention to a crisp /t/, a clear /ʃ/ and a voiced final /z/ helps stabilize the word’s rhythm and makes it easier to say in sequence with other words.” ,
A key feature is the transition from the voiceless alveolar /t/ to the voiced /ɹ/? Not here—this word uses a tidy /t/ to /ʃ/ sequence: /tɛn.ʃən/ with the tricky /t/ followed immediately by /ʃ/; ensuring the tongue moves quickly from pointing at the alveolar ridge to a post-alveolar palatal sibilant is crucial. The final /mz/ cluster requires voicing of the /z/ after a short, soft schwa-like vowel.” ,
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Intentions comes from the Middle English intention, which derives from Old French intention, from Latin intentionem (nominative intentio) ‘a setting forth, purpose, design.’ The Latin root intentus means ‘inclination, purpose, aim’ and is formed from in- ‘toward’ + tendere ‘to stretch, to aim.’ By the 14th century, intention referred to the act of aiming or directing the mind toward a goal, with the sense of purpose or plan. Over time, it broadened into psychological and moral contexts (one’s true intent), then more specifically to plans for future actions. The plural form intentions appears naturally in English to describe multiple or collective aims or motives, often used in discussions of plans or motives in social, legal, or strategic contexts. First documented usages align with the semantic development from “setting toward a goal” to “a person’s stated aim or plan.”
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Words that rhyme with "intentions"
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