interim
B2Formal / Neutral
Definition
Meaning
Relating to, or taking place in, a temporary period between two events, situations, or positions.
Used to describe something that is intended to be used or is in effect only for a short, transitional time until a final or permanent version is established. Can also refer to the intervening time itself.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word strongly implies temporariness and transition. It often carries a sense of being provisional, makeshift, or stopgap, but can also imply official, organized temporary management.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences. The collocation 'in the interim' is slightly more frequent in British English.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both varieties: provisionality, temporary arrangement.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in formal business and political discourse in both regions. Comparable overall frequency.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[BE + ADJ] (The report is interim.)[NOUN + MODIFIER] (interim report)[PREP PHRASE] (in the interim)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “In the interim”
- “An interim measure”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Common for describing temporary leadership, financial reports, or solutions (e.g., 'The board appointed an interim CFO').
Academic
Used for preliminary reports or findings before final publication (e.g., 'The study published interim data').
Everyday
Less common; used for temporary arrangements (e.g., 'We'll use this as an interim solution').
Technical
Used in legal, medical, and project management contexts to denote provisional stages or approvals.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The committee will issue an interim report next month.
- She was appointed as the interim chairperson.
American English
- The company released its interim earnings statement.
- An interim mayor will serve until the election.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We need an interim solution until the new one arrives.
- The interim manager will be here for six months.
- Please use this password in the interim.
- The interim findings suggest a need for further investigation.
- An interim government was formed to oversee the transition.
- The judge granted an interim injunction to prevent the demolition.
- These interim measures are merely palliative and fail to address the root cause.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'INTER' (between) + 'IM' (I am). 'I am between jobs' = I am in an INTERIM period.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRIDGE (connecting two stable points), GAP-FILLER, PLACEHOLDER.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'интерьер' (interior).
- Not equivalent to 'временный' in all contexts; 'interim' is more specific to a transition between two defined points.
- The noun phrase 'in the interim' translates best as 'в промежутке', 'тем временем'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'interim' as a verb (e.g., 'He will interim the position' - INCORRECT).
- Confusing 'interim' with 'interval' (which is more about a break).
- Overusing in informal contexts where 'temporary' is more natural.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best captures the meaning of 'interim'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, primarily in the phrase 'in the interim', meaning 'in the meantime' or 'during the intervening period'.
'Interim' specifically implies a position or thing between two defined stages, often with a sense of formal transition. 'Temporary' is broader, meaning lasting for a limited time without the necessary connotation of bridging two points.
It is neutral to formal. It is common in business, legal, and academic contexts. In everyday speech, 'temporary' is often more natural.
The stress is on the first syllable: IN-tuh-rim (UK) / IN-ter-rim (US). The 't' in American English often sounds like a soft 'd' (a flap).
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