Root

Original Meaning/

Usage Notes 

English Derivatives

Vocabulary

  inter- [from Latin]

(preposition)

     between, among

to interject [literally, ‘to throw between;’ to interpose something in words between the conversational remarks of others.]

interlude [literally, ‘playiing between;’ an intervening period of time; a short comic skit between the acts of a medieval morality or mystery play; any diversion from the scheduled activity or entertainment.]

intermission [literally, ‘a thing sent between;’ a recess or a period of relaxation between the acts of a theatrical performance.]

interscholastic [literally, ‘between schools;’ conducted among or between schools.]

interval

to intervene

interval (noun) [literally, ‘between the palisade;’ a space between two points in space or time.]

to intervene (verb) [literally, ‘to come between;’ to come between two parties in order to hinder or alter their course of action.]

intra-/intro- [from Latin]

(preposition)

within

intramolecular [literally, ‘pertaining to what is within a molecule.’]

intramural

intravenous [literally, ‘pertaining to what is within the vein;’ administered into a vein.]

to introduce [literally, ‘to lead within;’ to present someone or something for the first time to another person or group of persons.]

introspection

introverted [literally, ‘turned within;’ focused on oneself; reticent or shy.]

intramural (adjective) [literally, ‘within the walls;’ conducted within the bounds of an institution, especially a school.]

introspection (noun) [literally, ‘looking within;’ contemplation of one’s own inner thoughts.]