The prefix inter- means “between” or “among,” usually showing a relationship or connection involving two or more people, things, or places.

Quick Scoop: Meaning of inter-

  • Core meaning: “between,” “among,” or “from one to another.”
  • It comes from Latin inter , meaning “between, among.”
  • It’s used in many everyday words to show something happening between groups, places, or people.

Simple Examples

  • International – between or among nations (relationships or events involving more than one country).
  • Interstate – between states (a highway connecting at least two states).
  • Interpersonal – between people (relationships or skills involving interactions with others).
  • Interaction – an action between two or more people or things.

You can use this shortcut:

If something connects or relates more than one thing (countries, states, people, systems), there’s a good chance inter- fits at the front of the word.

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