intermediate

¹in·ter·me·di·ate

adjective \ˌin-tər-ˈmē-dē-ət\

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

Examples of INTERMEDIATE

1. an intermediate stage of growth
2. I'm taking intermediate French this year.

Origin of INTERMEDIATE

Middle English, from Medieval Latin intermediatus, from Latin intermedius, from inter- + medius mid, middle — more at mid

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to INTERMEDIATE

Synonyms

average, middle, mean, median, medium, middling, midsize (also midsized), moderate, modest

Antonyms

extreme, farthest, farthermost, furthermost, furthest, outermost, outmost, remotest, utmost

Related Words

reasonable; common, commonplace, conventional, normal, popular, regular, routine, standard, typical, usual; adequate, passable, tolerable

Near Antonyms

excessive, extreme; exceptional, rare, strange, uncommon, unusual; distinctive, idiosyncratic, special, unique; individual, peculiar, private

²intermediate

noun

Definition of INTERMEDIATE

1

: one that is intermediate

2

: mediator, go-between

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

Examples of INTERMEDIATE

1. <she often used her father as an intermediate in arguments with her mother>

First Known Use of INTERMEDIATE

1650

Related to INTERMEDIATE

Synonyms

broker, buffer, conciliator, go-between, honest broker, interceder, intercessor, intermediary, mediator, interposer, middleman, peacemaker

Related Words

troubleshooter; moderator; bargainer, negotiant, negotiator; appeaser, pacificator, pacifier, reconciler; agent, attorney, deputy, factor, procurator, proxy; liaison, medium; ambassador, emissary, envoy, legate, messenger; delegate, representative; busybody, interferer, meddler; arbiter, arbitrator, judge, referee, umpire; adviser (also advisor), counselor (or counsellor)

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

³in·ter·me·di·ate

intransitive verb \-dē-ˌāt\

Definition of INTERMEDIATE

1

: intervene, interpose

2

: to act as an intermediate

Examples of INTERMEDIATE

1. <if the secretary-general chooses to intermediate in this dispute, he'll need all of his diplomatic skills just to get both sides in the same room>

Origin of INTERMEDIATE

Medieval Latin intermediatus, past participle of intermediare, from Latin inter- + Late Latin mediare to mediate

First Known Use: 1610

Related to INTERMEDIATE

Synonyms

intercede, intervene, interpose, mediate

Related Words

butt in, interfere, intrude, meddle, obtrude, pry, snoop; arbitrate, moderate, negotiate, referee; barge (in), bother; break (in), chime in, cut in; infringe, invade, trespass

Near Antonyms

stand by; avoid, eschew, shun; disregard, ignore, overlook