interchangeable

Everyday

1. Able to be swapped or exchanged for each other without making any difference. tree →
2. So alike that one could easily replace the other. tree →

In the lessons

Used for parts, words, tools and numbers. In maths, in addition and multiplication the numbers are interchangeable in order: 3 + 5 = 5 + 3 (the commutative law), but in subtraction and division they are not. In English lessons: some words are interchangeable (big and large in many sentences), others are not. In everyday life: interchangeable batteries, lids, Lego pieces. Phrase: «interchangeable with».

Examples

• The heads on this toothbrush are interchangeable. tree →
• In this sentence, «big» and «large» are interchangeable. tree →
• In addition, the numbers are interchangeable: 4 + 7 is the same as 7 + 4. tree →
• In subtraction, the numbers are not interchangeable: 9 − 2 is not 2 − 9. tree →
• Lego bricks are interchangeable, so you can build anything. tree →
• The players on the team are not interchangeable; each has a special job. tree →
• These two chargers look the same, but they are not interchangeable. tree →

Note

Spelling trap: keep the «e» – interchangEable (change + able). Use «interchangeable with». In maths: order is interchangeable in + and ×, not in − and ÷. Words that seem interchangeable often have small differences in meaning or register (kid/child).