intermediate

The word “intermediate” means positioned between two extremes, or partway through a course of learning. In plain terms, somewhere in the middle — between beginner and advanced, or between the start and end of a process.

“Intermediate” is pronounced ihn-tuh-MEE-dee-uht (/ɪn.tə(ɹ)ˈmi.di.ət/ in IPA).

Here is “intermediate” used in a sentence: “She signed up for the intermediate Spanish class after finishing the beginner course.”

The opposite of “intermediate” — its antonyms — are extreme and intense.

Depending on how it is used, “intermediate” can be an adjective and a noun.

The word “intermediate” comes from Medieval Latin. Borrowed from Medieval Latin intermediatus, from intermedius, meaning "in the middle.".

“Intermediate” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Intermediate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: positioned between two extremes, or partway through a course of learning.

Intermediate is mainly an adjective meaning positioned between two extremes or stages, as in an intermediate level or step. An intermediary is a person or organization that acts as a go-between in negotiations or transactions; the words are not interchangeable.

Intermediate is the middle band between beginner and advanced, describing a learner who has moved past the basics but has not yet mastered the subject. Many course systems refine it further with pre-intermediate and upper-intermediate stages.

In chemistry, an intermediate is a substance produced partway through a chemical process, before the final product is reached. It forms during the reaction and is typically consumed as the reaction continues.

In the usual progression of skill levels, intermediate is followed by advanced, with expert or proficient sometimes placed above that. Before intermediate come the beginner and elementary stages.