Word
interchangeably
Phoneticsin·ter·change·ably
US/ˌɪnɝˈtʃeɪndʒəbɫi/
UK/ˌɪntətʃˈeɪndʒəbli/
Definition
adv. in a way that allows you to use one thing instead of another without any problem. You use this when two words or things have the same meaning.
adv. in a manner that allows one thing to be substituted for another without loss of meaning or effect.
Examples
“You can use these two words interchangeably in this sentence.”
“The two brands of batteries are often used interchangeably because they have the same size and power.”
“While the two theories were once considered distinct, modern scholars argue that they are largely interchangeable when applied to the study of urban development in the late nineteenth century.”
Examples
simple
“You can use these two words interchangeably in this sentence.”
contextual
“The two brands of batteries are often used interchangeably because they have the same size and power.”
complex
“While the two theories were once considered distinct, modern scholars argue that they are largely interchangeable when applied to the study of urban development in the late nineteenth century.”
Real-World Examples
“The judge uses “Jews” and “Israel” interchangeably throughout his talks.” “Instead, Lauren James and Sjoeke Nüsken worked away interchangeably up front.” Etymology
From interchangeable + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/interchangeably