intersperse
C1/C2Formal/Written. Common in literary, academic, and descriptive contexts. Rare in casual speech.
Definition
Meaning
To scatter or place things at intervals among other things; to diversify by introducing different elements.
To create variation or break monotony by inserting distinct items or features into a sequence or pattern.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies deliberate placement within a larger whole, creating a mixture or pattern. Often used with abstract concepts (hope, humor) as well as physical objects.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more frequent in British academic prose.
Connotations
Neutral; suggests careful arrangement or thoughtful variation.
Frequency
Low-frequency in both dialects. More common in written English than spoken.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] intersperses [Object A] with [Object B][Subject] intersperses [Object B] among/between/throughout [Object A][Object A] is interspersed with [Object B]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. 'The presentation was interspersed with key data visualisations.'
Academic
Common. 'The theoretical analysis is interspersed with case studies.'
Everyday
Very rare. Typically replaced by 'mixed in with' or 'scattered among'.
Technical
Used in computing (e.g., 'intersperse elements in an array'), horticulture, and design.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She interspersed her lecture with humorous anecdotes.
- The documentary intersperses interviews with archival footage.
- Villages are interspersed among the rolling hills.
American English
- He interspersed his speech with quotes from Lincoln.
- The trail is interspersed with scenic overlooks.
- The report intersperses data analysis with practical recommendations.
adverb
British English
- Trees grew interspersedly across the landscape. (Rare/Formal)
American English
- The lights were placed interspersedly along the path. (Rare/Formal)
adjective
British English
- The resulting pattern was curiously interspersed.
- An interspersed layout of buildings and green spaces.
American English
- A thinly interspersed array of sensors.
- The interspersed chapters provide historical context.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The field had flowers interspersed with grass.
- The book has pictures interspersed in the text.
- The author intersperses technical explanations with relatable examples.
- Small towns are interspersed along the coastline.
- His rigorous critique is interspersed with moments of genuine admiration.
- The film intersperses a linear narrative with surreal, dream-like sequences.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of INTERrupting a monotonous VERSE with different lines – you INTERSPERSE it.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEXTILE/WEAVING (to weave different threads into a fabric); PATTERN-MAKING (creating a dotted or variegated pattern).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- False friend with 'интерпретировать' (to interpret).
- Not 'пересекать' (to cross/intersect). Closer to 'вкраплять', 'перемежать'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'interverse' (not a word).
- Confusing with 'disperse' (to scatter widely).
- Using without 'with' or 'among' when needed (e.g., 'He interspersed jokes' vs. 'He interspersed his talk with jokes').
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'intersperse' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it's a low-frequency, formal word more common in writing than in everyday conversation.
'With' is most common (A is interspersed with B). 'Among', 'between', and 'throughout' are also used to indicate location.
Yes. You can intersperse moments of silence throughout a speech (time) or intersperse oak trees among the pines (space).
Interspersion (e.g., 'the interspersion of fact and fiction').