intermediate
B2Neutral to formal. Common in academic, technical, and educational contexts.
Definition
Meaning
being or occurring at the middle stage, level, or degree; situated between two extremes.
Can refer to a person, thing, or level of skill between beginner and expert. In chemistry, a transient species formed during a reaction. Also, to act as a mediator.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As an adjective and noun, it primarily describes position or level. As a verb, it is more formal and less frequent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The verb form is more common in AmE legal/diplomatic contexts. The noun for a person of a certain skill level is equally common in both.
Connotations
Neutral in both. In educational settings, it precisely defines a curriculum level.
Frequency
Adjective and noun are high-frequency. The verb is low-frequency.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
intermediate between A and Bintermediate in somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[no common idioms for this word]”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to mid-level management or a stage in a process: 'The project is at an intermediate phase.'
Academic
Describes a course level or a theoretical concept: 'She is taking intermediate macroeconomics.'
Everyday
Used for skill levels in hobbies/language: 'He plays the guitar at an intermediate level.'
Technical
In chemistry: 'A reactive intermediate was detected in the experiment.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The UN agreed to intermediate in the peace talks.
American English
- The federal agency will intermediate between the two states in the water dispute.
adverb
British English
- [Rarely used] The material performed intermediately in the stress tests.
American English
- [Rarely used] The team finished intermediately in the rankings.
adjective
British English
- This ski run is suitable for intermediate skiers.
American English
- Take the intermediate trail, not the beginner one.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My English class is intermediate.
- This book is for intermediate learners.
- The course is divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced modules.
- He reached an intermediate level in French after two years.
- The diplomat was asked to intermediate in the complex trade negotiations.
- The report identified several intermediate goals before the final target.
- The enzyme facilitates the reaction by stabilising the high-energy intermediate.
- Her role was to intermediate between the stakeholders, who held diametrically opposed views.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the word 'INTERnational MEDIcine ATE' - something in the middle (international medicine) that was consumed (ate), representing a middle stage.
Conceptual Metaphor
A JOURNEY: 'Intermediate stops' are necessary points between the start and destination of learning or a process.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'средний' when it means 'average' instead of 'mid-level'.
- The verb 'to intermediate' is not 'переводить' (to translate) but 'посредничать'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'intermediate' as a synonym for 'medium' in all contexts (e.g., 'an intermediate shirt size').
- Misspelling as 'intermidiate'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'intermediate' used as a verb?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral, describing position or level. It can sometimes imply 'not yet advanced' in a slightly negative light, depending on context.
'Intermediate' is primarily an adjective/noun for something in the middle. 'Intermediary' is primarily a noun for a person or organization that mediates between others.
Yes, commonly to describe a person's skill level (e.g., an intermediate pianist). It is less common as a noun for a mediator (where 'intermediary' is preferred).
This is often defined by specific criteria like the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference). 'Intermediate' (B1/B2) generally means you can handle main points of familiar matters, produce simple connected text, and describe experiences.