# intermediate

/ˌɪnɝˈmidiɪt/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/intermediate
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. middle level

adjective · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: situated between two points, stages, or levels of proficiency.

- This textbook is designed for intermediate students who already know the basics.
- The course is specifically tailored for intermediate learners who have mastered fundamental grammar but struggle with nuanced idiomatic expressions.

### 2. chemistry

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical · Academic

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

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

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

### 3. mid-sized car

noun · CEFR B2 · American English

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

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

- We decided to rent an intermediate because it had more trunk space than the economy model.
- The rental agency upgraded our booking from a compact to an intermediate at no extra cost due to a shortage of smaller vehicles.

### 4. to mediate

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal · Academic

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

For teachers: to act as an intermediary or to mediate between two parties.

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

## Examples

- The chemist identified a short-lived intermediate during the reaction.
- Researchers are studying the carbon intermediate to understand how the catalyst speeds up the overall process.
- The reaction mechanism involves a highly reactive radical intermediate that must be stabilized at low temperatures to prevent the formation of unwanted side products.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.