intercommunicate
C1/C2Formal, Technical
Definition
Meaning
To communicate mutually; to share information, thoughts, or signals between two or more parties.
In technical contexts (e.g., architecture, engineering), it can mean to be connected or to have passage between (as with rooms or systems).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a two-way, reciprocal exchange of communication or connection, more formal and specific than simply 'communicate'. It suggests interconnectedness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slight preference for 'intercommunicate' in formal British writing (e.g., academic, architectural) where American English might use 'interact' or 'be interconnected'. The verb is rare in casual speech in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, it connotes formal, often systemic, mutual exchange. In American technical manuals, 'interface' might be used for systems.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general use, slightly higher in UK academic/professional contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] + intercommunicate + (with + [entity])[subject] + intercommunicate + directly[entity] + be interconnected + (and can intercommunicate)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Intercommunicating doors (adj.): doors connecting two rooms internally.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used in high-level strategy: 'Departments must intercommunicate to avoid silos.'
Academic
Used in sociology, communication studies: 'The tribes intercommunicated through a complex system of signals.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Common in IT/networks: 'The servers intercommunicate via a secure protocol.' Also in architecture: 'The suites intercommunicate through a private hallway.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The two secure facilities intercommunicate via a dedicated encrypted line.
- The adjoining hotel rooms intercommunicate, which is perfect for families.
American English
- The software modules are designed to intercommunicate seamlessly.
- For the plan to work, all teams must intercommunicate daily.
adverb
British English
- N/A (Extremely rare).
American English
- N/A (Extremely rare).
adjective
British English
- The house has two intercommunicating drawing rooms.
American English
- The office layout features intercommunicating cubicles to foster collaboration.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children can intercommunicate through the small window between their rooms. (Simplified technical)
- Modern smartphones allow people to intercommunicate instantly across the globe.
- For the project to succeed, the research and development teams need to intercommunicate more effectively.
- The philosopher argued that true communities are those whose members intercommunicate not just linguistically but empathetically.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'INTER-national COMMUNICATION' – nations communicating back and forth with each other.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMUNICATION IS A CONDUIT / NETWORK (information flows through connecting channels between entities).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'интеркоммуницировать'. Use 'взаимодействовать', 'общаться', 'обмениваться информацией' or 'сообщаться' (for rooms).
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a simple synonym for 'talk' (too formal). Incorrect: 'We intercommunicated at the party.' Correct: 'We talked at the party.'
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'intercommunicate' most appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It specifically emphasizes mutual, two-way communication between interconnected parties or systems. 'Communicate' can be one-way.
Yes, especially in technical fields. Rooms, computer systems, or mechanical parts can be said to intercommunicate if they are connected and exchange signals/data.
'Intercommunication' (e.g., 'The intercommunication between departments improved').
No. It is a formal, low-frequency word used primarily in academic, technical, or professional writing. In everyday speech, words like 'talk', 'interact', or 'connect' are used instead.