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Intermediate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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intermediate

[หŒษชntษ™rหˆmiหdiษ™t ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

level of proficiency

Being at a stage of development or skill between beginner and advanced.

Synonyms

in-between, mid-level, middle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intermediate

Used to describe something that is between the basic and advanced level or stage; often seen in educational environments or development stages.

  • She is taking an intermediate French course.
middle

Describes the central part or point of something; can be used in a variety of contexts including geography, time, or sequences.

  • They're moving to a house in the middle of the city.
  • She woke up in the middle of the night.
in-between

Refers to something that is literally or figuratively situated between two other things. This word is more casual and can describe a wide range of contexts.

  • He felt stuck in an in-between phase of his life.
mid-level

Typically used in professional or organizational contexts to describe a position or status that is between entry-level and senior-level.

  • The company is hiring for a mid-level marketing manager.

Examples of usage

  • He has an intermediate level of proficiency in Spanish.
  • She is taking intermediate classes to improve her skills.
  • Students are expected to have an intermediate understanding of the subject by the end of the course.
Context #2 | Noun

language learning

A person who has some knowledge or skill in a particular subject but is not yet advanced.

Synonyms

learner, pupil, student.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intermediate

Used to describe someone who has a moderate level of skill or knowledge, often related to classes or courses that are between beginner and advanced levels.

  • She is taking an intermediate Spanish class this semester.
  • The ski resort has slopes for beginners, intermediates, and expert skiers.
learner

A general term for someone who is in the process of acquiring knowledge or skills, often used in educational contexts without specifying the level.

  • As a learner, she is always curious and eager to ask questions.
  • The online platform offers resources for learners of all ages.
student

A broad term for someone who is enrolled in an educational institution, covering all levels of education from primary school to university.

  • She is a college student majoring in biology.
  • The students gathered in the auditorium for the assembly.
pupil

A term often used in British English to refer to a young student, typically in primary or secondary school settings.

  • The teacher greeted her pupils as they entered the classroom.
  • Pupils at the school are required to wear uniforms.

Examples of usage

  • The school offers classes for beginners, intermediates, and advanced learners.
  • She is an intermediate in French, looking to enhance her fluency.
  • Intermediate students are encouraged to practice speaking outside of class.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Education

  • In educational contexts, 'intermediate' often refers to a level of skill or knowledge that is beyond the beginner stage but not yet advanced.
  • Intermediate courses or classes typically require some background knowledge or experience in the subject.
  • Many professional certifications have intermediate levels to cater to individuals with varying expertise.

Sports

  • In sports, 'intermediate' can describe competition levels that are designed specifically for those who are not beginners but also not yet experts.
  • For instance, in swimming or martial arts, competitions might be classified as beginner, intermediate, and advanced to ensure fair matchups.
  • Intermediate athletes often gain confidence and skills before moving to more challenging levels.

Language Learning

  • 'Intermediate' language learners can understand and produce more complex sentences than beginners, including using idiomatic expressions.
  • At the intermediate level, learners often start to develop a more nuanced understanding of grammar and vocabulary.
  • This stage is crucial for building fluency and preparing for advanced language use.

Technology

  • In tech, 'intermediate' can refer to users who know how to use basic features but may still require guidance on advanced functionalities.
  • It often describes software tools that offer more features than basic versions but are not as complex as professional-grade software.
  • Intermediate-level programming skills are essential for tasks like web development or data analysis, bridging the gap between novices and experts.

Origin of 'intermediate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'intermediate' comes from the Latin 'intermedius,' meaning 'being in the middle.'
  • It combines 'inter,' meaning 'between,' with 'medius,' meaning 'middle.'
  • The term has been used in English since the late 14th century.

The word 'intermediate' comes from the Latin word 'intermedius', which means 'in the middle'. It has been used in English since the mid-17th century to describe something that is in between two points or levels. Over time, it has become widely used in various fields to denote a level of proficiency or skill that is neither beginner nor advanced.

See also: mediatable, mediate, mediation, mediator, mediators.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,826, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.