Catholic Dictionary

Find accurate definitions of over 5,000 Catholic terms and phrases (including abbreviations). Based on Fr. John Hardon's Modern Catholic Dictionary, © Eternal Life. Used with permission.

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INTERPRETATIVE INTENTION

An intention that has not been made but presumably would have been made if the person had been aware of the circumstances. Thus, if the literal interpretation of a law would cause more harm than good, one might interpret the mind of the lawgiver and relax the law in this particular case.

See Also: ACTUAL INTENTION, See Also: HABITUAL INTENTION, See Also: VIRTUAL INTENTION, See Also: INTENTION