Is 'intersession' the same as 'holidays'?

Not exactly. While it is a break from regular classes, 'intersession' often implies a structured, institutional period where optional academic activities (like intensive courses, internships) may still take place, unlike a pure holiday.

Can 'intersession' be used as a verb?

No, 'intersession' is exclusively a noun. The related adjective is 'intersessional'.

What is the main difference between 'intersession' and 'intermission'?

'Intersession' is primarily used for breaks between institutional periods (academic, parliamentary). 'Intermission' is used for breaks during a performance, event, or activity (e.g., theatre, cinema).

Is this word used in British schools?

It is very rare in British secondary schools. You might encounter it in some British universities, but it is far more common and standardised in North American higher education systems.

intersession

UK/ˌɪn.təˈseʃ.ən/US/ˈɪn.t̬ɚˌseʃ.ən/

Formal, Academic, Institutional

My Flashcards

Definition

Meaning

A short period, typically a few weeks, between two longer academic terms or sessions.

Any brief break or period between two main events, activities, or operations, often used in educational, religious, or parliamentary contexts.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

The term is almost exclusively institutional. It denotes a structured, often optional, period rather than a casual holiday. In non-academic contexts, it can refer to a parliamentary recess between sessions or a short break in a religious calendar.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

More commonly used in North American higher education. In the UK, similar periods are more often called 'vacation', 'break', or specific names like 'Easter break'. The term 'intersession' is understood but less institutionalised in British English.

Connotations

American: Connotes a structured, often intensive, short course period. British: If used, tends to sound like a direct Americanism or a technical term.

Frequency

High frequency in North American academic administration; low frequency in general British English.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

January intersessionwinter intersessionsummer intersessionoffer during intersessionenrol in intersessionintersession courses

medium

short intersessionacademic intersessionbetween semestersthe intersession period

weak

parliamentary intersessionbusy intersessionplanned intersession

Grammar

Valency Patterns

[Noun] during the intersession[Verb] in the intersessionthe intersession between [Noun Phrase][Adjective] intersession

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

interterm

Neutral

breakinterterminter-semester period

Weak

recesshiatusinterval

Vocabulary

Antonyms

semestertermsessioncontinuous period

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“No common idioms”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Rare. Could be used metaphorically for a short pause between major projects.

Academic

Primary context. Refers to the short period, e.g., in January or May, when intensive or special courses are offered.

Everyday

Very rare. An educated speaker might use it to refer to a university schedule.

Technical

Used in academic calendars and administrative documents.

Examples

By Part of Speech

noun

British English

The university library has reduced hours over the Easter intersession.
Parliament is currently in its summer intersession.

American English

I'm taking a condensed biology course during the January intersession.
Intersession registration opens next week.

adverb

British English

Not applicable

American English

Not applicable

adjective

British English

They arranged an intersession tutorial for struggling students.
The intersession timetable is posted online.

American English

She secured an intersession internship at the lab.
Check the intersession course listings on the portal.

Examples

By CEFR Level

The school is closed for the winter intersession.
There are no classes during the intersession.

Many students use the intersession to complete optional fieldwork or internships.
The university offers several intensive language courses in the May intersession.

The parliamentary committee agreed to reconvene after the summer intersession to finalise the report.
Her research proposal was developed during the quiet intersession, free from regular teaching commitments.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of the word SESSION. INTER-SESSION is literally the time that comes BETWEEN two main academic SESSIONS.

Conceptual Metaphor

TIME AS A JOURNEY WITH PAUSES (The academic year is a journey with stops; intersession is a brief layover.)

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Avoid translating as 'межсессионный' (межсессия) as it is not a standard Russian academic term. The common Russian equivalent is 'каникулы' (holidays/vacation) between semesters or a specific 'сессия' (exam session).

Common Mistakes

Confusing 'intersession' with 'intersection'.
Using it as a synonym for any holiday (e.g., summer holidays).
Spelling as 'intercession' (which means intervention or mediation).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

Many students opt to study abroad , which falls between the fall and spring semesters.

Multiple Choice

In which context is the word 'intersession' MOST commonly and appropriately used?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: Not exactly. While it is a break from regular classes, 'intersession' often implies a structured, institutional period where optional academic activities (like intensive courses, internships) may still take place, unlike a pure holiday.
: No, 'intersession' is exclusively a noun. The related adjective is 'intersessional'.
: 'Intersession' is primarily used for breaks between institutional periods (academic, parliamentary). 'Intermission' is used for breaks during a performance, event, or activity (e.g., theatre, cinema).
: It is very rare in British secondary schools. You might encounter it in some British universities, but it is far more common and standardised in North American higher education systems.