intersection
C1Neutral to formal; common in everyday, academic, and technical contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A point or line where two or more things (especially roads) cross or meet.
1) A set theory concept where a new set is formed from common elements of two or more sets. 2) A metaphorical point where different ideas, groups, or interests meet or overlap.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The core sense is strongly tied to physical crossing (roads, lines). Extended and metaphorical uses are common in academic/social discourse. In set theory, it is a precise technical term.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or use. Both use 'crossroads' and 'junction' as related terms, but 'intersection' is standard for formal road planning in both.
Connotations
Neutral. In everyday UK speech, 'junction' or 'crossroads' might be more frequent for roads, while 'intersection' is universally understood.
Frequency
More frequent in American English for the road sense. In British English, 'junction' (esp. T-junction) or 'crossroads' is often used where Americans would say 'intersection'.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
the intersection of A and Bthe intersection between A and Bat the intersectionan intersection withVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “at the intersection of (figurative: where ideas/trends meet)”
- “a dangerous intersection (literal or metaphorical risk)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically: 'We operate at the intersection of technology and healthcare.'
Academic
Common in mathematics (set theory, geometry), social sciences ('intersectionality'), and engineering.
Everyday
Primarily for road crossings and simple overlaps: 'Turn left at the next intersection.'
Technical
Precise geometric point; logical or set operation; in transportation engineering for road design.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The two paths will intersect just beyond the gate.
- Our research interests intersect on this topic.
American English
- The highways intersect near the city center.
- Where do your professional and personal values intersect?
adverb
British English
- The roads ran intersectingly through the old town. (Rare/Formal)
American English
- The lines were drawn intersectingly on the chart. (Rare/Formal)
adjective
British English
- The intersecting lines created a complex pattern.
- They studied intersecting social inequalities.
American English
- The intersecting streets caused a traffic jam.
- Intersectional theory examines intersecting systems of oppression.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The car stopped at the intersection.
- There is a shop on the corner of the intersection.
- Be careful when you cycle through a busy intersection.
- The intersection of Main Street and First Avenue has new traffic lights.
- The novel explores the intersection of memory and identity.
- The city plans to redesign the dangerous intersection to improve safety.
- Her research lies at the intersection of bioethics and artificial intelligence.
- The Venn diagram shows the intersection of the two sets clearly.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of INTERnational SECret agents meeting at a crossing – an INTER-SEC-tion.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS/INTERESTS ARE PATHS; their overlap is an INTERSECTION. (e.g., 'the intersection of art and science').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid directly translating 'пересечение' to 'intersection' in every context. For 'пересечение улиц', 'intersection' is fine. For 'пересечение интересов', 'overlap of interests' or 'clash of interests' is more natural.
- In set theory, 'intersection' is 'пересечение', so it's a direct match.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'intersection' to mean 'interaction' (e.g., 'the intersection between the two colleagues' is wrong).
- Misspelling as 'interection' or 'intersaction'.
- Using 'intersection' for a T-junction in UK English where 'junction' is more idiomatic.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the BEST synonym for 'intersection' in the context of set theory?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In road terms, they are often interchangeable. 'Intersection' is the general, formal term. 'Crossroads' usually implies two roads crossing at right angles. 'Junction' is where two or more roads meet, which could be a T-junction or a roundabout, not necessarily a crossing.
No, 'intersection' is only a noun. The related verb is 'intersect'.
In set theory, it's the set containing all elements common to two or more sets (symbol: ∩). In geometry, it's the point or line where lines, curves, or surfaces meet.
It is standard and neutral. It is appropriate in both casual conversation ('Turn at the intersection') and highly formal academic or technical writing.
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