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intent

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avowed intent

A solemn public promise or pledge toward some goal or achievement. The presidential nominee gave her avowed intent to reform the public school system should she be elected.

See also: intent

for all intents and purposes

Cliché seeming as if; looking as if. Tom stood there, looking, for all intents and purposes, as if he could strangle Sally, but, being the gentleman that he is, he just glowered. Mary: Is the car washed now? John: For all intents and purposes, yes, but I didn't dry it yet.

See also: all, and, intent, purpose

intent on doing something

determined to do something. The children were intent on making a snowman. The prisoner was intent on escaping.

See also: intent, on

intent on doing something

determined to do something She seems intent on specializing in family law.

See also: intent, on

for all intents and purposes

also to all intents and purposes

almost completely pretty much Escape from that prison was, for all intents and purposes, impossible. A licensed physician's assistant is to all intents and purposes a doctor.

See also: all, and, intent, purpose

to all intents and purposes

in all the most important ways We've got a few odd things to finish, but to all intents and purposes the job is done. They redesigned the old model and created something which was to all intents and purposes a brand new car.

See also: all, and, intent, purpose

to all intents and purposes

Also, for all intents and purposes; for all practical purposes. In every practical sense, virtually. For example, For all intents and purposes the case is closed, or For all practical purposes the Vice-President is the chief executive while the President is in the hospital . The first phrase, dating from the 1500s, originated in English law, where it was to all intents, constructions, and purposes. A shorter synonym is in effect, def. 1.

See also: all, and, intent, purpose