intersect
C1Formal, Academic, Technical
Definition
Meaning
To cross or meet at a point; to have one or more points in common.
Used more broadly to describe things overlapping, meeting, or interacting in various contexts (e.g., ideas, paths, fields of study).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In mathematics, describes lines, curves, or surfaces meeting. In general use, implies a crossing or overlapping of physical or abstract entities.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slight preference for 'meet' or 'cross' in informal British contexts.
Connotations
Slightly more technical/academic connotation in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparable frequency, but perhaps more common in mathematical/technical American English due to 'intersection' (road).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] intersect [with NP][NP₁] and [NP₂] intersect[NP] intersect [at NP]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms. The noun 'intersection' features in idioms like 'a crossroads'].”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically: 'Our marketing strategy needs to intersect with current social media trends.'
Academic
Core term in geometry, set theory, and interdisciplinary studies: 'The two research fields intersect on the topic of AI ethics.'
Everyday
Primarily for roads/paths: 'Take the left where the two footpaths intersect.'
Technical
Precise meaning in mathematics, geography (GIS), and computer graphics.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The train lines intersect just north of the station.
- Our discussions often intersect with matters of policy.
American English
- Where does Main Street intersect with Broadway?
- The study explores where biology and chemistry intersect.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form.]
adjective
British English
- [Rare as adjective; participial adjective 'intersecting' used: 'intersecting lines'.]
American English
- [Rare as adjective; participial adjective 'intersecting' used: 'intersecting interests'.]
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The two roads intersect in the town centre.
- Draw two lines that intersect.
- The hiking trail intersects with a smaller path about a mile in.
- Their areas of expertise intersect in digital marketing.
- The author's narratives intersect at key historical moments, providing a multifaceted view.
- In graph theory, we examine how the nodes' connections intersect.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
INTERSECT = INTER (between) + SECT (cut). Think of cutting between two lines so they meet.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS ARE PATHS (e.g., 'Their theories intersect on this point').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation with 'пересекаться' for all contexts; for abstract 'overlap', consider 'совпадать' or 'перекликаться'.
- In Russian, 'пересечение' is common for roads, but 'intersect' as a verb is more formal/technical.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'intercept' instead of 'intersect' ('intercept' means to stop/catch).
- Incorrect preposition: 'intersect to' instead of 'intersect with' or 'intersect at'.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'intersect' used CORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its core meaning is geometrical, it is commonly used metaphorically for ideas, interests, or disciplines meeting or overlapping.
'Intersect' means to cross or meet. 'Intercept' means to stop, catch, or seize something (or someone) on its way from one place to another.
No. The noun form is 'intersection'. 'Intersect' is only a verb.
'With' (intersect with another line) and 'at' (intersect at a specific point) are most common.