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Words with the inter- prefix

This list collects everyday words formed with the prefix inter-, which means between or among, as in international or interact. It helps students studying word roots, ESL learners expanding vocabulary, and puzzle fans hunting for inter- words. Scan the list and notice how the base word's meaning shifts once inter- is added to the front.

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Words with the inter- prefix

30 words
WordMeaningIn a sentenceSave
internationaladjectiveInvolving, occurring between, or relating to two or more nations.The United Nations was founded to promote international cooperation and lasting peace.
interactverbTo communicate or engage with someone or something, especially with mutual influence.Students were encouraged to interact with classmates from other countries during the exchange program.
interactiveadjectiveAllowing or involving direct participation, communication, or response between people or between a person and a system.The museum's interactive exhibits let visitors touch and control the displays themselves.
interceptverbTo stop, catch, or seize something or someone before it reaches its intended destination.The defender intercepted the pass and raced down the field toward the goal.
interchangenounAn exchange of ideas, information, goods, or actions between two or more people or things.The conference encouraged a lively interchange of research ideas between scientists from different fields.
interconnectverbTo link or join two or more things together so they affect or depend on each other.The new subway line will interconnect neighborhoods that previously required long bus rides.
interdependentadjectiveDepending on each other; mutually reliant for support, function, or survival.The species in the coral reef are interdependent, each relying on others for food or shelter.
interfereverbTo become involved in a situation without being asked or wanted, disrupting it.Her parents tried not to interfere in her career choices, even when they disagreed.
interferencenounThe act of interfering in a situation or process, especially in a way that hinders or disrupts it.The coach warned parents against interference in decisions about who should play each position.
interjectverbTo interrupt a conversation abruptly to insert a remark or comment.She interjected a quick objection just as the chairman was about to close the meeting.
interlockverbTo fit or link together closely so that the parts function as a connected whole.The puzzle pieces interlock perfectly to form a complete picture.
intermediateadjectiveOccurring at a middle stage or level, between something basic and something advanced.After finishing the beginner course, she moved on to the intermediate class.
intermissionnounA short pause or break between parts of a performance, event, or activity.During the intermission, the audience stretched their legs and bought refreshments in the lobby.
internaladjectiveExisting or happening inside a person, organization, place, or thing, rather than outside it.The company launched an internal investigation after employees reported the missing funds.
internetnounThe global network that connects computers and allows information to be shared and communication to occur worldwide.She checked the delivery schedule on the internet before leaving the house.
interpretverbTo explain or understand the meaning of something.How do you interpret the final line of the story?
interpreternounA person who translates spoken language from one language into another in real time.The diplomat relied on an interpreter to communicate with foreign officials during the summit.
interruptverbTo stop or break the continuity of an action or speech by intruding suddenly.Please don't interrupt me while I'm explaining the instructions to the group.
intersectverbTo cross or meet at a point, especially describing lines, roads, or areas that share a common point.Main Street and Fifth Avenue intersect right in front of the old courthouse.
intersectionnounA point where two or more roads, lines, or paths meet or cross.The accident happened at a busy intersection near the school.
interstateadjectiveExisting, occurring, or carried on between two or more states.Interstate commerce is regulated by federal law rather than by individual states.
intertwineverbTo twist or link two or more things closely together, literally or figuratively.The gardener let the ivy intertwine with the wooden trellis over the summer.
intervalnounA period of time between two events, or a gap between two points, values, or occurrences.There was a ten-minute interval between the two halves of the concert.
interveneverbTo become involved in a situation, especially in order to change its outcome.A neighbor intervened before the argument between the two drivers turned violent.
interviewnounA formal meeting in which one person asks another questions to assess them or gather information.She prepared for days before her job interview at the accounting firm.
interweaveverbTo weave or twist together two or more things so they become closely combined.The novelist skillfully interweaves three separate storylines into a single, satisfying plot.
interplaynounThe way two or more things influence or interact with each other.The film closely explores the interplay between memory and imagination.
interposeverbTo insert something between two things, or to interrupt with a comment or objection.She interposed a question just as the lawyer was about to move to his next point.
interrogateverbTo question someone formally and thoroughly, often in an aggressive or persistent manner.Detectives interrogated the suspect for hours before he finally confessed.
interludenounA period of time or activity that occurs between two other events, often providing a pause or contrast.The comedian's set served as a lighthearted interlude between the two dramatic performances.

What does inter- mean?

The prefix inter- comes from Latin and means between, among, or together. Adding it to a base word usually creates a sense of connection or exchange, such as interact, meaning to act between people, or interstate, meaning between states. Spotting this prefix can help you guess the meaning of unfamiliar words, since the pattern stays consistent across many English terms built the same way.

Frequently asked questions

What does the prefix inter- mean?

It means between, among, or together, as seen in words like interact and international.

What are some common words with inter-?

Interact, international, interrupt, intersection, and interview are all everyday examples.