What does "intermediate" mean?

1. (middle level) being between two levels, such as a beginner and an advanced level. 2. (chemistry) a substance that is made during a chemical process but is not the final result. 3. (mid-sized car) a car that is larger than a small car but smaller than a full-sized one. 4. (to mediate) to act as a link or a middle person between two groups.

How do you use "intermediate"?

Often used as a countable noun in laboratory reports. The verb is often intransitive but can take an object in financial contexts.

intermediate

adj. · n. · v.

US //ˌɪnɝˈmidiɪt// in·ter·me·di·ate

1 middle level (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

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

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

Example

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

Example

The course is specifically tailored for intermediate learners who have mastered fundamental grammar but struggle with nuanced idiomatic expressions.
- mid level
- middle
- central
2 chemistry (n.)
C1 Advanced Technical Academic Science

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

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

Example

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

Example

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.
- precursor
- by product
- product
- reactant

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3 mid-sized car (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate American English

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

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

Example

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

Example

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
- compact
- full size
4 to mediate (v.)
C2 Proficiency Formal Academic

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

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

Example

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

Example

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.
- mediate
- intercede
- liaise

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.