Intermingled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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intermingled

[ษชn.tษ™rหˆmษชล‹.ษกษ™ld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

mixed together

Intermingled refers to the state of being mixed or blended together. This term is often used to describe elements that have been combined in such a way that they can no longer be distinguished from one another. For instance, intermingled colors might blend so seamlessly that the individual hues become hard to identify. This concept can also apply to social groups or ideas, indicating a lack of clear boundaries between different entities. In essence, intermingled describes a coalescence that creates a new, unified whole.

Synonyms

blended, combined, entangled, intertwined, mixed.

Examples of usage

  • The intermingled scents of spices filled the air.
  • Their intermingled lives created a rich tapestry of experiences.
  • The intermingled colors of the sunset were breathtaking.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literary works, characters' lives are often intermingled, showing how their actions affect one another.
  • Authors use intermingled narratives to create suspense and intertwine plots, making stories more engaging.
  • Poetic forms often rely on intermingled themes, weaving together emotions of love, loss, and redemption.

Science

  • In biology, genes can be intermingled through processes like crossing over during reproduction, affecting traits in offspring.
  • Ecosystems show how species' habitats can be intermingled, leading to biodiversity and complex relationships.
  • Intermingled substances can also refer to chemical mixtures, where properties of different elements combine.

Culture

  • Culinary traditions often see flavors that are intermingled, resulting in fusion cuisine that combines different cultural dishes.
  • In music, genres often become intermingled, creating new styles like jazz fusion or rock-influenced pop.
  • Artworks can be intermingled in themes and styles, reflecting cultural exchanges across history.

Psychology

  • Experiences can be intermingled in our memories, making it difficult to recall specific details accurately.
  • Intermingled emotions are common, where people feel joy and sadness simultaneously during significant life events.
  • Social interactions can involve intermingling of identities, where people express different aspects of themselves in various settings.

Origin of 'intermingled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the prefix 'inter-' meaning 'between' and 'mingled', which means 'mixed'.
  • It traces back to Old English and Middle English, highlighting a long history of language evolution.
  • The concept has been used in literature for centuries, suggesting complex relationships.

The word 'intermingled' stems from the prefix 'inter-', meaning 'between' or 'among', combined with the past participle of 'mingled', which originates from the Old English 'mengan', meaning 'to mix or mingle'. The usage of 'intermingled' can be traced back to at least the 16th century, where it was utilized in both literary and everyday contexts to describe the blending of different elements. Over time, the word has maintained its essential meaning of mixing, particularly in contexts where distinct entities come together to form a unified whole. The gradual evolution in its usage reflects not only linguistic changes but also cultural shifts in the way we perceive the interactions between various components in both physical and abstract realms.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,851, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.