interlink
C1Formal, Academic, Technical
Definition
Meaning
to link or connect two or more things together.
To connect or be connected in a way that allows mutual influence or function; to intertwine systems, ideas, or components.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a reciprocal or networked connection, rather than a simple linear link. Suggests interdependence and integration.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in British technical/academic writing.
Connotations
Neutral; implies systematic connection.
Frequency
Low-frequency in everyday speech in both regions; higher in academic/technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP1] interlinks with [NP2][NP1] and [NP2] are interlinkedto interlink [NP1] and [NP2]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a chain is only as strong as its weakest interlink (variation on 'link')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for describing integrated departments, supply chains, or data systems.
Academic
Common in sociology, systems theory, and engineering to describe connected variables or components.
Everyday
Rare; might be used for discussing connected ideas or friendships.
Technical
Frequent in computing, networking, and logistics for describing node connections.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The study aims to interlink economic data with social outcomes.
- These two motorways interlink just north of Birmingham.
American English
- The software modules are designed to interlink seamlessly.
- We need to interlink our security protocols with the new federal system.
adjective
British English
- The interlink cable was faulty.
- They studied the interlink relationships within the ecosystem.
American English
- An interlink agreement was signed between the two agencies.
- The report highlighted interlink dependencies in the infrastructure.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The two websites interlink to provide more information.
- Modern economies are closely interlinked with global supply chains.
- The author skilfully interlinks the narratives of the three main characters.
- The research interlinks neurobiological data with phenomenological accounts of consciousness.
- These crises are interlinked, requiring a holistic policy response rather than isolated measures.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of INTERnational LINKs - countries linking together through treaties and trade.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONNECTION IS A CHAIN / NETWORKING IS A WEB.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'hyperlink' (гиперссылка). 'Interlink' шире – взаимосвязь систем.
- Не всегда соответствует простому 'связывать'. Чаще означает 'взаимосвязать', 'образовать сеть'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'interlink' as a noun in singular form (prefer 'link' or 'interconnection').
- Confusing 'interlink' with 'interface' (which is about interaction surfaces).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'interlink' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. 'Interlink' implies a more complex, often reciprocal or networked connection between multiple elements, whereas 'connect' can be simpler and more direct.
It is rare and often considered non-standard. The preferred nouns are 'link', 'interconnection', or 'interlinking' (as a gerund).
'Interlock' suggests a physical fitting together of parts (like gears or puzzle pieces), while 'interlink' is more abstract, referring to conceptual or systemic connections.
No, it is a mid-to-low frequency word, primarily used in formal, academic, technical, or business contexts rather than everyday conversation.