intermediate

Everyday

1. In the middle; between two levels, stages or places. tree →
2. Not a beginner but not yet an expert, as in «an intermediate swimmer». tree →
3. (noun) A person at a middle level; in chemistry, a substance made in the middle of a reaction. tree →

In the lessons

Used in school and clubs for levels: «beginner, intermediate, advanced». In maths, «intermediate steps» are the working between the question and the answer, and the UK «Intermediate Maths Challenge» is an olympiad competition for older pupils. In science, a chrysalis is the intermediate stage between caterpillar and butterfly.

Examples

• I'm in the intermediate swimming group. tree →
• Show the intermediate steps in your working. tree →
• The chrysalis is an intermediate stage between caterpillar and butterfly. tree →
• The book is for intermediate learners of French. tree →
• Grey is an intermediate colour between black and white. tree →
• Between 3 and 7, the intermediate whole numbers are 4, 5 and 6. tree →
• She is no longer a beginner; she's an intermediate. tree →
• Ruthenian is a language intermediate between Russian and Polish, but quite independent of both. tree →

Note

Pronounced in-ter-MEE-dee-ut. «An intermediate» (an, before a vowel sound). In maths, «intermediate» numbers are those between two given numbers; be careful whether the ends are included. Do not confuse with «intermediary» (a person who helps two sides talk).