Done on purpose; deliberate and planned rather than accidental. Characterized by conscious design or purpose.
From Latin 'intentionalis,' from 'intentio' (a stretching out, purpose), from 'intendere' (to stretch toward, aim at). The idea is that intentional actions are 'aimed' or 'stretched toward' a specific goal, showing conscious purpose.
Think of 'intentional' as having 'intent'—you intended to do it! The key is distinguishing between accidents (oops!) and intentional acts (planned). When something is intentional, there was a clear mental target or goal behind the action.
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