At first glance, the word “intention”, written like this, with s, may seem strange to us and we even rule out that it could exist in this spelling. We immediately think of the word “intention”, written in this way, with ç. Well know that the two forms are correct, with s and ç, however, the two words have different meanings.
The words intention and intent have the same sound but different spellings. They represent what we call words namesakes — common occurrence in the Portuguese language, but which can lead to error when writing a text. See just a few examples in our language:
repair/concert
saw/seal
sew/bake
rush/price
assertion/rightness
hunt/cassate
atone/spy
tack/tax
incipient/incipient
spectator/spectator
And there's so much more! Therefore, be aware of the differences between intention and intention:
The word Intention it refers to a thought, an intent, a purpose. Already intent it refers to an increase in tension, intensity, strength or energy. Let's look at the use of the two nouns:
Intention: Mariana intends to study to become a psychologist.
The two suspects looked malicious.
Intent: Weather forecasts an intensity of heat over the next few days.
Noticing the intensity of the pain he felt, Carlos decided to seek help from a doctor.
The homonymous words, despite their phonetic similarity and the same phonological structure, are entirely different in terms of meaning. Therefore, they will be differentiated according to the context in which they are used. So you already know, when you come across the word intent, rest assured, it exists and is written correctly!
By Luana Castro
Graduated in Letters
