interline
C1Formal/Technical
Definition
Meaning
To write, print, or insert between lines that are already written or printed.
To place an additional layer, lining, or component between two main layers, such as in clothing (interlining) or in transportation (scheduling additional stops between main points).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word is used in distinct fields with a shared concept of 'insertion between'. As a verb, it's primarily active; as a noun/adjective ('interline', 'interlining'), it describes the material or the act itself.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Spelling is consistent. Usage is largely identical, though 'interline' in transport contexts (e.g., interline baggage) is very common in US aviation jargon.
Connotations
In tailoring, it's a precise technical term. In publishing/editing, it's somewhat archaic, replaced by 'insert between lines' or 'line edit'.
Frequency
Low frequency in general English; higher frequency in specific technical domains like tailoring, aviation, and printing.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] interline [Object] with [Material/Text][Subject] interline [Material/Text] between [Lines/Layers]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated with 'interline'.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in transport/logistics for 'interline agreement' between carriers.
Academic
Used in textual criticism or editing to describe annotations between lines of a historical document.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Common in tailoring (adding interlining for structure), printing (interline spacing), and aviation (interline flights).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The editor chose to interline the translation directly onto the photocopy.
- You'll need to interline the curtains with blackout material.
American English
- The tailor will interline the suit jacket for more structure.
- The two airlines have an agreement to interline baggage.
adverb
British English
- This term is almost never used as an adverb.
American English
- This term is almost never used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The interline spacing was too narrow for her annotations.
- An interline transfer was required at Chicago O'Hare.
American English
- Check the interline baggage policy before you book separate tickets.
- The manuscript showed clear interline corrections.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The student interlined the difficult words with their translations.
- To give the coat more shape, the designer decided to interline it with a stiff fabric.
- Passengers with interline tickets collected their bags at the final destination.
- Scholars often interline medieval manuscripts with glosses to aid modern readers.
- The interline agreement between the rail companies facilitated seamless cross-country travel.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LINE of text, and then writing INTER (between) that line and the next.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAYERING AS INSERTION (Inserting a layer between existing strata).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'underline' (подчёркивать). 'Interline' is 'вписывать между строк'. Also distinct from 'intersperse' (перемежать).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'interline' to mean 'underline' or 'highlight'. Confusing 'interline' (verb) with 'interlinear' (adjective, as in an interlinear translation).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'interline' most commonly used today?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are completely different. 'Underline' means to draw a line under text for emphasis. 'Interline' means to write or insert something between existing lines.
Yes, though less common. As a noun, 'an interline' can refer to a lining inserted between layers (in tailoring) or a stop on a transport route. The material used is more often called 'interlining'.
In transportation, especially aviation, it's a commercial agreement between carriers to handle passengers and baggage on routes that use multiple airlines.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialised term. Most learners will encounter it only in technical contexts like fashion design, publishing history, or travel logistics.