intermediate
ihn-tuh-MEE-dee-uht
Intermediate (adj) means Positioned between two extremes, or partway through a course of learning. Example: “My cooking is at an intermediate level, so I can follow most recipes but not fancy ones.”
adj
1
Positioned between two extremes, or partway through a course of learning.
"My cooking is at an intermediate level, so I can follow most recipes but not fancy ones."
"The trail has an intermediate difficulty rating, harder than a stroll but easier than a mountain climb."
"She signed up for the intermediate Spanish class after finishing the beginner course."
noun
1
A substance produced partway through a chemical process, before the final product is reached.
"The chemist isolated a short-lived intermediate and studied it before it broke down."
"In this process, each intermediate must be purified before the next step can begin."
"The reaction produces an unstable intermediate before forming the final compound."
How to use intermediate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomewhere in the middle — between beginner and advanced, or between the start and end of a process.
Common pairings
intermediate level
chemical intermediate
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Word forms
- Plural
- intermediates
- Third person singular
- intermediates
- Past tense
- intermediated
- Comparative
- more intermediate
- Superlative
- most intermediate
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
My cooking is at an _____ level, so I can follow most recipes but not fancy ones.
Etymology
Borrowed from Medieval Latin intermediatus, from intermedius, meaning "in the middle."
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for intermediate
See all rhymes for intermediate →Frequently asked questions
What does “intermediate” mean?
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.
How do you pronounce “intermediate”?
“Intermediate” is pronounced ihn-tuh-MEE-dee-uht (/ɪn.tə(ɹ)ˈmi.di.ət/ in IPA).
How do you use “intermediate” in a sentence?
Here is “intermediate” used in a sentence: “She signed up for the intermediate Spanish class after finishing the beginner course.”
What is the opposite of “intermediate”?
The opposite of “intermediate” — its antonyms — are extreme and intense.
What part of speech is “intermediate”?
Depending on how it is used, “intermediate” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “intermediate” come from?
The word “intermediate” comes from Medieval Latin. Borrowed from Medieval Latin intermediatus, from intermedius, meaning "in the middle.".
Is “intermediate” a common word?
“Intermediate” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “intermediate” have?
“Intermediate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: positioned between two extremes, or partway through a course of learning.
What is the difference between intermediate and intermediary?
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.
What level is intermediate in learning?
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.
What is an intermediate in chemistry?
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.
What comes after intermediate?
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.
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