intentive

English

Alternative forms

• ententive

Etymology

From Middle English ententif, borrowed from Old French ententif, from Late Latin intentīvus (“intensive”), from Latin intendō (“I intend, I attend”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ɪnˈtɛntɪv/
• Rhymes: -ɛntɪv

Adjective

intentive (comparative more intentive, superlative most intentive)

1. Paying attention; attentive, heedful.
   • 1631, Francis [Bacon], “III. Century.”, in Sylua Syluarum: Or A Naturall Historie. In Ten Centuries. […], 3rd edition, London: […] William Rawley; [p]rinted by J[ohn] H[aviland] for William Lee […], →OCLC:

     the object is fine and accurate , it conduceth much to have the sense intentive and erect

2. Intent (of the mind, thoughts etc.).
   • 1596, Edmund Spenser, “Book V, Canto IX”, in The Faerie Queene. […], London: […] [John Wolfe] for William Ponsonbie, →OCLC:

     To which whilest she lent her intentive mind, / He suddenly his net upon her threw […]

3. (grammar) Expressing intent.

See also

• intensive

Latin

Adjective

intentīve

1. vocative masculine singular of intentīvus