intentionality
/ɪnˌtɛnʃəˈnæl.ɪ.ti/ IELTSAcademic
noun
The quality of being done on purpose, with clear intention. It can also mean the fact that a thought, action, or plan is directed toward something.
- Her intentionality showed in every careful choice.
- The design has clear intentionality.
- He spoke with great intentionality.
Adinary Nuance
Intentionality is more specific than intention. It focuses on the quality of being purposeful, not just the plan itself. It is also more formal than purpose or deliberateness, so writers use it in academic, business, or reflective writing.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- tính chủ ý
- Spanish
- intencionalidad
- Chinese
- 意向性
- Japanese
- 志向性
- Korean
- 의도성
Etymology
Intentionality comes from Latin roots behind intention and intentional. In English, it became common through philosophy and psychology, especially from the 19th century onward.
Common phrases
with intentionalitya sense of intentionalityshow intentionalitydesign intentionality
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is intentionality a formal word?
- Yes. It is mostly used in formal, academic, or thoughtful writing.
- What is the difference between intentionality and intention?
- Intention is the plan. Intentionality is the quality of acting with purpose.
- Can I use intentionality in business writing?
- Yes, especially when talking about leadership, design, or clear decision-making.
- Is intentionality a common everyday word?
- No, it is less common in daily speech than purpose or intention.