Into: meaning, definitions and examples

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into

[ˈɪn.tuː ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Preposition}

in a direction or movement towards

Expressing movement or action with the result that someone or something becomes enclosed or surrounded by something else.

Synonyms

in, inside, within, within the bounds of.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
into	Indicates movement or transformation from outside to a position inside or closer to something. Used for physical and abstract transitions. She walked into the room. He transformed into a stronger person.
in	Describes a static position or condition inside something or being part of a general situation. Used for both physical and abstract placements. The keys are in the drawer. She is in a difficult situation.
inside	Specifies being within the interior part of something. More focused on the inner area or space, often used to emphasize confinement or protection. The cat is inside the house. There's a secret hidden inside the box.
within	Indicates something that exists inside the limits or extent of something, both physical and figurative. Often used in formal contexts. The answer lies within the text. He stayed within the city limits.
within the bounds of	Specifies limits or constraints within which something is contained or must operate. Usually used in formal or structured contexts. She acted within the bounds of the law. The discussion remained within the bounds of decency.

Examples of usage

He crashed into a tree.
She jumped into the pool.
The ball rolled into the corner.
We walked into the building.
I ran into an old friend.

^{Context #2 | Adverb}

indicating entry, introduction, or inclusion

To a place or situation perceived as existing inside or within something else.

Synonyms

indoors, inside, internally, within.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
into	Used to indicate movement or direction from outside to a point within something, often involving entry. She walked into the room. He jumped into the pool.
inside	Used to describe being within the inner part of something or to indicate being in a space or area. It is warm inside the house. He keeps the important documents inside a safe.
within	Used to indicate something as being inside the limits or boundaries of a given place, thing, or period of time. Please complete the task within a week. He kept his feelings within himself.
indoors	Used to describe something happening or existing within a building. We stayed indoors because it was raining. The kids are playing indoors today.
internally	Used to describe something happening, located, or existing inside the body or an organization. The medicine works internally to relieve pain. The company manages its finances internally.

Examples of usage

Come into the room.
He looked into her eyes.
The company is expanding into new markets.
She delved into the research.

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

expressing a change of state

Expressing movement or action with the result that someone or something becomes enclosed or surrounded by something else.

Synonyms

changed, converted, evolved, transformed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
into	Used to indicate movement or transition from one state or place to another. She went into the room The caterpillar turned into a butterfly
transformed	Used to indicate a thorough or dramatic change in form or appearance. The renovation transformed the old building His attitude was transformed after the seminar
changed	Used to describe something that has become different, usually in appearance, condition, or behavior. He has changed a lot over the years The weather changed suddenly
converted	Often used when something is transformed into a different form or use, typically with relation to function, religion, or systems. They converted the old barn into a guest house She converted to a different religion
evolved	Used to describe a gradual development or change, especially in a more complex or improved form. The company has evolved over the decades Species evolve over time

Examples of usage

He turned into a monster.
The caterpillar transformed into a butterfly.
The water froze into ice.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

'Into' comes from Old English 'innan' meaning 'inside' combined with 'to', indicating direction.
Over time, the usage of 'into' has evolved as it's been used in different historical texts.
It's a preposition that illustrates a change of state, often indicating transformation.

Grammar

As a preposition, 'into' is often used to indicate movement towards the inside of a place or object.
'Into' differs from 'in,' which describes a state of being inside something, rather than the action of moving inside.
In writing, the use of 'into' can suggest dynamic action and direction, providing a clearer picture of movement.

Pop Culture

'Into the Woods,' a popular musical, plays with the theme of journeys and transformations, showcasing the word's thematic importance.
The phrase 'picture me being into...' has become a popular way to express interest in television shows and movies.
Many song lyrics incorporate 'into' as a way to express feelings of longing or movement towards someone or something special.

Psychology

The concept of 'going into' can symbolize entering new emotional spaces, reflecting personal growth and change.
Researchers suggest that the language we use, like 'into,' can shape how we perceive experiences and transitions in life.
Metaphorically, to be 'into' something can denote a deeper involvement or passion, impacting one's identity.

Literature

Authors often use 'into' for vivid descriptions of characters entering new places, highlighting their experiences.
The transition from 'out of' to 'into' is frequently used in novels to signify character development and plots unfolding.
Classic and modern poetry alike utilize 'into' to create a sense of movement, often heightening emotional impacts.

Translations

Translations of the word "into" in other languages:

🇵🇹 em

🇮🇳 में

🇩🇪 in

🇮🇩 ke dalam

🇺🇦 в

🇵🇱 do

🇯🇵 に

🇫🇷 dans

🇪🇸 en

🇹🇷 içine

🇰🇷 안에

🇸🇦 إلى

🇨🇿 do

🇸🇰 do

🇨🇳 进入

🇸🇮 v

🇮🇸 í

🇰🇿 ішіне

🇬🇪 შიგნით

🇦🇿 içinə

🇲🇽 en

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #34, this is one of the most fundamental words in English. It's absolutely essential to master this word as it forms the backbone of English communication and appears in almost every conversation or text.

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31 there
32 when
33 them
34 into
35 these
36 out
37 only
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