interaction
ihn-tuh-RAK-shuhn
Interaction (noun) means an occasion when two or more things or people affect or communicate with each other. Example: “Young children learn language through interaction with the adults around them.”
noun
1
An occasion when two or more things or people affect or communicate with each other.
"Young children learn language through interaction with the adults around them."
"Their daily interactions built a strong friendship."
"The drug's interaction with alcohol can be dangerous."
How to use interaction
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA moment of two things or people affecting or engaging with each other.
Common pairings
social interaction
drug interaction
human interaction
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Word forms
- Plural
- interactions
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Young children learn language through _____ with the adults around them.
Etymology
Borrowed from Medieval Latin interactio, built from "inter-" + "action."
Related words
Rhymes for interaction
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for interaction →
Frequently asked questions
What does “interaction” mean?
The word “interaction” means an occasion when two or more things or people affect or communicate with each other. In plain terms, a moment of two things or people affecting or engaging with each other.
How do you pronounce “interaction”?
“Interaction” is pronounced ihn-tuh-RAK-shuhn (/ˌɪn.tɚˈæk.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “interaction” in a sentence?
Here is “interaction” used in a sentence: “Their daily interactions built a strong friendship.”
What part of speech is “interaction”?
“Interaction” is a noun.
Where does the word “interaction” come from?
The word “interaction” comes from Medieval Latin. Borrowed from Medieval Latin interactio, built from "inter-" + "action.".
Is “interaction” a common word?
“Interaction” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between "interaction" and "reaction"?
An interaction is mutual: two or more things or people affect or communicate with each other, so influence flows both ways. A reaction is one-directional, describing how one thing responds to something else. You can have an interaction between two people, but only a reaction from one person to an event.
When should you use "interaction" instead of "communication"?
Use "interaction" for any occasion when two or more things or people affect each other, whether or not information is exchanged. Use "communication" specifically for the exchange of messages, thoughts, or information. All communication is a form of interaction, but interaction also covers physical, chemical, or social effects that involve no words.
Is "interaction" a countable or uncountable noun?
"Interaction" works both ways. As a countable noun it names a single occasion, as in "a brief interaction with a colleague." As an uncountable noun it names the general activity, as in "social interaction is good for health."
What are common collocations with "interaction"?
Frequent pairings include "social interaction," "human interaction," "face-to-face interaction," and "drug interaction." In science and medicine, "interaction" often describes how two substances or forces affect each other.
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