absichtlich
intentionally · intentional
Etwas wird bewusst und mit voller Absicht getan, nicht zufällig oder aus Versehen.
Definition & meaning
The word "absichtlich" is an adjective and adverb used to describe an action performed with a specific purpose or clear intent. When someone does something "absichtlich," they are fully aware of their actions and the potential consequences, having planned or decided to act in that way. In English, it is most commonly translated as "intentional," "deliberate," or "on purpose."
Grammar & Word origin
The word is formed from the noun die Absicht, which means "intention" or "purpose," combined with the common adjectival suffix -lich.
Etymologically, Absicht comes from the verb absehen. In this context, "sehen" refers to "seeing" or "looking," and the prefix "ab-" implies a direction toward a goal. Historically, it described the act of aiming or looking at a target, which evolved into the abstract concept of having an intention or goal in mind.
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms:
- vorsätzlich (often used in a legal context to imply premeditation)
- bewusst (conscious or aware)
- willentlich (done by an act of will)
- gezielt (targeted or specific)
Antonyms:
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Examples
Er tut es absichtlich.adverb
He does it intentionally.
Er handelte absichtlich langsam, um Zeit zu gewinnen.adverb
He intentionally acted slowly to gain time.
Er hat das Glas absichtlich fallen gelassen.adverb
He intentionally dropped the glass.
Der Junge hat das absichtlich gemacht.adverb
The boy did that intentionally.
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