In-between: meaning, definitions and examples

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in-between

 

[ ˈɪn.bɪˌtwiːn ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

in a middle position

Situated or occurring between two points, stages, or places. Not fully one thing or the other.

Synonyms

intermediate, interstitial, middle, midway

Examples of usage

  • He found himself in an in-between state of confusion and clarity.
  • The in-between seasons of spring and autumn are my favorite.
  • She lived in the in-between world of dreams and reality.
Context #2 | Noun

a transitional period or place

A state of transition or ambiguity, neither fully one thing nor another.

Synonyms

grey area, interim, limbo, transitional phase

Examples of usage

  • She felt lost in the in-between of childhood and adulthood.
  • The in-between of dusk and dawn is a magical time.
  • The character exists in the in-between, neither hero nor villain.

Translations

Translations of the word "in-between" in other languages:

🇵🇹 entre

🇮🇳 बीच में (beech mein)

🇩🇪 dazwischen

🇮🇩 di antara

🇺🇦 посередині

🇵🇱 pomiędzy

🇯🇵 間 (aida)

🇫🇷 entre

🇪🇸 entre

🇹🇷 arasında

🇰🇷 사이에 (saie)

🇸🇦 بين

🇨🇿 mezi

🇸🇰 medzi

🇨🇳 之间 (zhī jiān)

🇸🇮 med

🇮🇸 á milli

🇰🇿 арасында

🇬🇪 შუაში (shuashi)

🇦🇿 arasında

🇲🇽 entre

Word origin

The term 'in-between' originated in the 19th century, combining the prefix 'in-' meaning 'within' or 'inside' with 'between', which derives from Old English meaning 'by twain' or 'by two'. The concept of being in-between has long been recognized in various cultures as a state of transition or liminality, where boundaries blur and transformation occurs.