To do something intently means to do it with complete focus and concentration. When you watch a movie intently, your eyes stay glued to the screen and you notice every detail. When you listen intently to instructions, you're giving them your full attention, not letting your mind wander or getting distracted by what's happening around you.

The word describes the quality of someone's attention or effort. A student reading intently leans forward, absorbed in the story, barely noticing when someone walks by. A detective examining evidence works intently, studying every clue with serious concentration. A cat watching a bird outside stares intently, utterly focused on its target.

Intently means bringing real mental energy to what you're doing, blocking out distractions, and giving something the focus it deserves. When your teacher asks you to listen intently, they want your complete concentration: all of your brain engaged with what they're saying, not half thinking about lunch while the other half just hears the words.