intentional
Meaning: Done on purpose; carried out by design rather than by accident or coincidence.
Intentional is the most neutral and straightforward of the words describing deliberate action. Unlike 'calculated' (which implies cunning) or 'premeditated' (which implies advance planning, especially of crimes), 'intentional' simply means that the act was done knowingly. In law, intentional acts are distinguished from negligent or accidental ones. In sports, an 'intentional foul' is one committed deliberately as a tactical decision. In philosophy, 'intentionality' refers to the mind's capacity to be directed towards objects or states of affairs. It collocates with 'intentional act,' 'intentional foul,' 'intentional harm,' and 'intentional or accidental.'
Examples
- The investigation concluded that the fire was intentional rather than accidental, and a criminal inquiry was launched. 调查得出结论,这场火灾是故意纵火而非意外事故,随即启动了刑事调查。La investigación concluyó que el incendio fue intencionado y no accidental, y se abrió una investigación criminal.調査は、その火災は偶発的ではなく故意によるものであると結論づけ、刑事捜査が開始された。조사 결과 그 화재는 우발적인 것이 아니라 고의적인 것으로 결론지어졌고, 형사 수사가 개시되었다.
- Whether the breach of confidentiality was intentional or merely careless remained a matter of dispute throughout the hearing. 这次泄密行为究竟是故意为之还是仅仅出于疏忽,在整个听证过程中一直是争议焦点。Si la violación de la confidencialidad fue intencionada o meramente descuidada siguió siendo objeto de controversia durante toda la vista.機密漏洩が故意であったのか単なる不注意であったのかは、審理を通じて争点のままであった。기밀 유출이 고의였는지 단순한 부주의였는지는 심리 내내 쟁점으로 남았다.
- The footballer received a red card for an intentional handball that prevented a clear goal-scoring opportunity. 这名足球运动员因故意手球阻止了一次明显的进球机会而被出示红牌。El futbolista recibió una tarjeta roja por una mano intencionada que impidió una clara ocasión de gol.そのサッカー選手は、明確な得点機会を阻止した故意のハンドでレッドカードを受けた。그 축구 선수는 명백한 득점 기회를 저지한 고의적인 핸드볼로 레드카드를 받았다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: legal, academic, professional, media
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Medieval Latin intentionalis, from Latin intentio meaning 'a stretching out, purpose, attention,' from intendere (to stretch towards, aim at), from in- (towards) and tendere (to stretch). Entered English in the early 16th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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