First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1intermediate
adjective in·ter·me·di·ate \ˌin-tər-ˈmē-dē-ət\
: occurring in the middle of a process or series
: relating to or having the knowledge or skill of someone who is more advanced than a beginner but not yet an expert
Full Definition of INTERMEDIATE
1
: being or occurring at the middle place, stage, or degree or between extremes
2
: of or relating to an intermediate school <an intermediate curriculum>
— in·ter·me·di·ate·ly adverb
— in·ter·me·di·ate·ness noun
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Origin of INTERMEDIATE
Middle English, from Medieval Latin intermediatus, from Latin intermedius, from inter- + medius mid, middle — more at mid
2intermediate
noun
: a person who has the knowledge or skill of someone who is more advanced than a beginner but not yet an expert
Full Definition of INTERMEDIATE
1
: one that is intermediate
2
3
a : a chemical compound synthesized from simpler compounds and usually intended to be used in later syntheses of more complex products b : a usually short-lived chemical species formed in a reaction as an intermediate step between the starting material and the final product
4
: an automobile larger than a compact but smaller than a full-sized automobile
See intermediate defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of INTERMEDIATE
1650
Related to INTERMEDIATE
- Synonyms
- broker, buffer, conciliator, go-between, honest broker, interceder, intercessor, intermediary, mediator, interposer, middleman, peacemaker
Rhymes with INTERMEDIATE
circumambulate, circumnavigate, contraindicate, decontaminate, deteriorate, differentiate, disambiguate, disassociate, discombobulate, disorientate, disproportionate, excommunicate, expiration date, free-associate, hyperventilate, incapacitate, interpenetrate, misappropriate, multivariate, overcompensate, overpopulate, ratiocinate, recapitulate, rehabilitate, renegotiate, superannuate, supersaturate, transubstantiate, underestimate
3intermediate
verb in·ter·me·di·ate \-dē-ˌāt\
Definition of INTERMEDIATE
intransitive verb
2
: to act as an intermediate
Origin of INTERMEDIATE
Medieval Latin intermediatus, past participle of intermediare, from Latin inter- + Late Latin mediare to mediate
First Known Use: 1610
INTERMEDIATENESS Defined for Kids
1intermediate
adjective in·ter·me·di·ate \ˌin-tər-ˈmē-dē-ət\
Definition of INTERMEDIATE for Kids
: being or occurring in the middle of a series or between extremes <The car was of intermediate size.>
— in·ter·me·di·ate·ly adverb
2intermediate
noun
Definition of INTERMEDIATE for Kids
: someone or something that is in the middle of a series or between extremes <Instruction is offered for beginners and intermediates.>
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