intermediary
C1Formal/Neutral
Definition
Meaning
A person or organisation that acts as a link or go-between, helping two other parties communicate or make a deal.
1) A thing that serves as a means of transmission or connection between two points or stages; 2) An intermediate state or form.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a noun. Often implies neutrality and the facilitation of communication or transaction. Can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation of unnecessary bureaucracy or profiteering from a middle position.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both use the term in legal, business, and diplomatic contexts.
Connotations
Slightly more common in formal UK legal/financial documents, but the difference is marginal.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both dialects within formal registers.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
intermediary BETWEEN A and Bintermediary FOR somebodyintermediary IN somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To act as an honest broker (similar concept).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A financial intermediary like a bank channels funds from savers to borrowers.
Academic
The study examines the role of cultural intermediaries in shaping public taste.
Everyday
I couldn't get a direct answer, so I had to go through an intermediary.
Technical
In chemistry, the compound is a reactive intermediary in the synthesis pathway.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The talks reached an intermediary stage before final agreement.
American English
- They signed an intermediary agreement to keep the process moving.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The hotel receptionist acted as an intermediary for messages.
- We bought the car through an intermediary.
- The UN offered to serve as an intermediary in the peace negotiations.
- Banks are classic examples of financial intermediaries.
- The artist's work functions as a cultural intermediary, translating complex ideas for a wider audience.
- The enzyme acts as a chemical intermediary in the metabolic pathway.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of INTER-MEDIARY: someone IN-THE-MIDDLE (medius in Latin) of a transaction.
Conceptual Metaphor
BRIDGE (A connector between two separate banks/parties). CHANNEL (A conduit for flow of information/money/goods). FILTER (Something that processes or controls what passes between).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque 'посредственный' which means 'mediocre'. The correct Russian equivalent is 'посредник'.
- Do not confuse with 'intermediate' as an adjective (промежуточный).
Common Mistakes
- Using as a verb (e.g., 'He intermediaried the deal' – incorrect).
- Spelling: 'intermediery', 'intermeditary'.
- Confusing with 'intermediate' level (e.g., 'an intermediary English course' – use 'intermediate').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'intermediary' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Intermediary' is almost always a person or organisation acting as an agent. 'Medium' is more general and can be a non-human means (e.g., a medium of exchange, spiritual medium) or a material (e.g., painting in oil medium).
Yes, but it's less common and formal (e.g., 'an intermediary stage'). 'Intermediate' is the much more frequent adjective.
Often, but 'middleman' can have a more negative, commercial connotation (someone taking a cut). 'Intermediary' is more neutral and used in diplomatic/legal contexts.
Most commonly 'between' (an intermediary between A and B). Also 'for' (an intermediary for the client) and 'in' (an intermediary in the dispute).
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