Meaning & use
interconnect
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Meanings
verbtransitive or intransitive
To join two or more things so that they are linked and affect each other.
Grammar: Can take an object (interconnect the devices) or stand alone, often with with: The systems interconnect with each other.
Patterns
- interconnect something
- interconnect with something
- interconnect something with something
The new bridge interconnects the two islands.
These pipes interconnect with the main water supply.
The engineer interconnected the sensors so they could share data.
verbintransitive
To be connected in a complex way so that each part depends on the others.
Grammar: No object; often used to describe systems, networks, or parts that work together.
Patterns
- interconnect with something
- interconnect to something
In a modern city, transport, housing, and jobs all interconnect.
The various departments interconnect to form a single organization.
These themes interconnect throughout the novel.
Word forms
| third person singular | interconnects |
|---|---|
| past tense | interconnected |
| past participle | interconnected |
| present participle | interconnecting |
Common combinations
- interconnect with
- The computer network interconnects with the main server.
- interconnect something to something
- You need to interconnect the printer to the laptop.
- closely interconnected
- The world's economies are closely interconnected.
- interconnect the parts
- The mechanic interconnected the parts of the engine.
Synonyms and how they differ
- connect
- More general and simpler; 'interconnect' stresses that the things affect each other, not just touch.
- link
- Often used for a direct join between two things; 'interconnect' suggests a network of many links.
- interlink
- Very close in meaning but less common; 'interconnect' is the usual choice for systems and networks.
Opposites
Word family
- interconnection noun
- The state or act of being linked together.
- interconnected adjective
- Linked so that each part affects the others.
- interconnectivity noun
- The quality of being connected in a complex way.
Commonly confused: interconnect or connect?
interconnect vs connect
You can connect two things without them affecting each other; 'interconnect' implies mutual influence or dependence.
Practice
The new rail line ______ the two cities, making travel much easier.
Choose one answer.
The subject 'line' is singular, so the verb needs -s: 'interconnects'. 'Interconnect' is the base form and would be wrong here.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “interconnect”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.