English Reference
adjective · noun · verb

intermediate

adj. · n. · v.
US /ˌɪnɝˈmidiɪt/ in·ter·me·di·ate UK spelling intermediate's, intermediate's, intermediated, intermediating

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    adj.being between two levels, such as a beginner and an advanced level.

    adj.situated between two points, stages, or levels of proficiency.

    Simple

    This textbook is designed for intermediate students who already know the basics.

    In context

    The course is specifically tailored for intermediate learners who have mastered fundamental grammar but struggle with nuanced idiomatic expressions.

    mid levelmiddlecentral
  2. 02 C1 Advanced TechnicalAcademic Science

    n.a substance that is made during a chemical process but is not the final result.

    n.a transient substance formed during a multi-step chemical reaction that is subsequently consumed in a later stage.

    Simple

    The scientist studied the intermediate to understand how the reaction changes over time.

    In context

    Identifying the short-lived intermediate was crucial for the research team to map the entire catalytic cycle of the enzyme.

    Usage

    Often used as a countable noun in laboratory reports.

    precursorby product
    productreactant
  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate American English

    n.a car that is larger than a small car but smaller than a full-sized one.

    n.an automobile classification for vehicles larger than a compact but smaller than a full-size model.

    Simple

    We decided to rent an intermediate because it had more trunk space than the economy model.

    In context

    The rental agency upgraded our booking from a compact to an intermediate at no extra cost due to a shortage of smaller vehicles.

    mid size
    compactfull size
  4. 04 C2 Proficiency FormalAcademic

    v.to act as a link or a middle person between two groups.

    v.to act as an intermediary or to mediate between two parties.

    Simple

    The organization tried to intermediate between the two warring factions to find a peaceful solution.

    In context

    The central bank may choose to intermediate in the currency markets to prevent rapid devaluation during a financial crisis.

    Usage

    The verb is often intransitive but can take an object in financial contexts.

    mediateintercedeliaise

Usage intermediate level · intermediate position

Some people are more typically female in some traits, more typically male in other traits, and intermediate in still others.

Phys.org· 19 Aug 2026

In the intermediate and later stages (late 25th Dynasty through the Persian phase), new bodies were placed in areas that were already occupied by mummies, resulting in increased density.

Ars Technica· 18 Aug 2026

Etymology 1

Borrowed from Medieval Latin intermediātus, perfect passive participle of intermediō (see -ate (adjective-forming suffix)), further from intermedius (“intermediate”) + -ō (verb-forming suffix).

Etymology 2

From a substantivization of the above adjective, see -ate (noun-forming suffix) and Etymology 1 for more.

Etymology 3

Borrowed from Medieval Latin intermediātus, see -ate (verb-forming suffix) and Etymology 1 for more.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Common
Updated