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intermediate

/ˌˈɪntərˌˈmidiət/

Other forms: intermediates; intermediating; intermediated

Use the adjective intermediate when you find yourself in that in-between stage, like after you complete an introductory class but before you are ready for the advanced stuff.

The word intermediate comes from the Latin intermediatus, tracing back to intermedius, which combines inter-, meaning “between” and medius, meaning “middle.” So you can see that intermediate describes something or someone in the middle, between two distinct phases, like an intermediate swimmer who has mastered the basic strokes but isn't yet ready to join the racing team.

Definitions of intermediate
  1. adjective
    lying between two extremes in time or space or state
    “going from sitting to standing without intermediate pushes with the hands”
    intermediate stages in a process”
    intermediate stops on the route”
    “an intermediate range plane”
    Synonyms:
    gray, grey
    intermediate in character or position
    halfway
    at a point midway between two extremes
    in-between, mediate, middle
    being neither at the beginning nor at the end in a series
    junior, next-to-last, third-year
    used of the third or next to final year in United States high school or college
    next-to-last, penultimate
    next to the last
    second-year, sophomore
    used of the second year in United States high school or college
    subterminal
    near but not precisely at an end
    antepenultimate
    third from last
    see moresee less
    Antonyms:
    terminal
    being or situated at an end
  2. adjective
    around the middle of a scale of evaluation
    intermediate capacity”
    synonyms: average, medium
    moderate
    being within reasonable or average limits; not excessive or extreme
  3. noun
    a substance formed during a chemical process before the desired product is obtained
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    type of:
    chemical, chemical substance
    material produced by or used in a reaction involving changes in atoms or molecules
  4. verb
    act between parties with a view to reconciling differences
    synonyms: arbitrate, intercede, liaise, mediate
    see moresee less
    type of:
    negociate, negotiate, talk terms
    discuss the terms of an arrangement
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