Interim vs. Intermediate — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 19, 2024
Interim refers to a temporary period or arrangement until a permanent or next phase begins, while intermediate denotes a middle or halfway point in a sequence or scale.
Difference Between Interim and Intermediate
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Interim typically describes a temporary state or period that serves as a bridge between two points in time. For example, an interim government is established to govern for a period until regular government is restored. On the other hand, intermediate is used to describe something that is at or occupies a middle position, often in terms of level, degree, or quality. For instance, an intermediate course in language learning is neither for beginners nor for advanced learners, but for those in the middle.
The term "interim" is often used in contexts where a temporary measure or role is adopted until the final or intended arrangement is put in place. This can apply to positions (interim CEO), solutions (interim policy), or periods (interim period). In contrast, "intermediate" relates to the progression or stages within a process, suggesting a step between the initial and final stages. It is commonly found in educational levels, skill levels, and stages of development.
Interim arrangements are usually planned with an end point in mind, indicating that they are not intended to last indefinitely but only until a specific condition is met or a particular time has passed. Intermediate positions, however, may not have a defined end point and instead signify a place within a continuum, such as intermediate stops on a journey from one destination to another.
The use of "interim" emphasizes the temporary and transitional nature of a situation, arrangement, or role. It highlights the intention to move towards a more permanent or next phase. Meanwhile, "intermediate" emphasizes the position within a sequence, indicating progression and a step towards a more advanced state or level.
Both "interim" and "intermediate" play crucial roles in describing processes, positions, and phases within various contexts. While "interim" focuses on the temporariness and bridging function between two periods, "intermediate" highlights a midpoint that serves as a bridge between beginner and advanced stages or between the start and end of a process.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Temporary period or arrangement until something more permanent is established.
Middle or halfway point in a sequence, level, or process.
Context
Used to describe temporary measures, roles, or periods.
Describes a midpoint in terms of level, degree, or quality.
End Point
Has a defined end point or condition for completion.
May not have a defined end point, signifies progression.
Focus
Emphasizes the temporary and transitional nature.
Highlights the position within a sequence or scale.
Example Use
Interim government, interim policy
Intermediate level, intermediate stop
Compare with Definitions
Interim
Transitional nature.
The company's interim policies are in place while it undergoes restructuring.
Intermediate
Between extremes.
The survey targeted those with intermediate experience in the field.
Interim
End point in mind.
The interim solution was only meant to last until the end of the year.
Intermediate
Middle position.
The course was designed for intermediate learners, who already have some basic knowledge.
Interim
Focus on temporariness.
She served in an interim capacity until the office was officially established.
Intermediate
No defined end point.
The train made several intermediate stops before reaching the final destination.
Interim
Temporary state.
He was appointed as the interim manager until a permanent one could be found.
Intermediate
Emphasizes progression.
The intermediate stages of the project involve detailed analysis and design.
Interim
Bridging period.
The interim period before the new law takes effect will last six months.
Intermediate
Step in progression.
His skills are at an intermediate level, between beginner and advanced.
Interim
An interim is a provisional or temporary intervening period of time. In projects, an interim report is often compiled to analyze how the project is proceeding, before its final completion.
Intermediate
Coming between two things in time, place, character, etc.
A cooled liquid intermediate between liquid and solid
An intermediate stage of development
Interim
An interval of time between one event, process, or period and another.
Intermediate
An intermediate thing.
Interim
Belonging to, serving during, or taking place during an intermediate interval of time; temporary
An interim agreement.
Intermediate
Act as intermediary; mediate
Groups which intermediated between the individual and the state
Interim
Transitional.
Iraq's government is interim.
Intermediate
Lying or occurring between two extremes or in a middle position or state
An aircraft having an intermediate range.
An intermediate school.
Interim
Temporary.
You are interim manager until he returns from hospital.
Intermediate
One that is in a middle position or state.
Interim
A transitional or temporary period between other events.
His car is in the shop, but they gave him a rental to drive in the interim.
Intermediate
An intermediary.
Interim
The meantime; time intervening; interval between events, etc.
All the interim isLike a phantasms, or a hideous dream.
Intermediate
(Chemistry) A substance formed as a necessary stage in the manufacture of a desired end product.
Interim
A name given to each of three compromises made by the emperor Charles V. of Germany for the sake of harmonizing the connecting opinions of Protestants and Catholics.
Intermediate
An automobile that is smaller than a full-sized model but larger than a compact.
Interim
The time between one event, process, or period and another
Intermediate
To act as an intermediary; mediate.
Interim
Serving during an intermediate interval of time;
An interim agreement
Intermediate
To intervene.
Intermediate
Being between two extremes, or in the middle of a range.
Intermediate
Anything in an intermediate position.
Intermediate
An intermediary.
Intermediate
(chemistry) Any substance formed as part of a series of chemical reactions that is not the end-product.
Intermediate
(intransitive) To mediate, to be an intermediate.
Intermediate
(transitive) To arrange, in the manner of a broker.
Central banks need to regulate the entities that intermediate monetary transactions.
Intermediate
Lying or being in the middle place or degree, or between two extremes; coming or done between; intervening; interposed; interjacent; as, an intermediate space or time; intermediate colors.
Intermediate
Of or pertaining to an intermediate school; as, intermediate education.
Intermediate
To come between; to intervene; to interpose.
Intermediate
A person who intermediates between others, especially in negotiations; an intermediary; a mediator.
Intermediate
Something that is intermediate.
Intermediate
A compound which is produced in the course of a chemical synthesis, which is not itself the final product, but is used in further reactions which produce the final product; also called synthetic intermediate, intermediate compound or intermediate product; - contrasted to starting material and end product or final product. There may be many different intermediates between the starting material and end product in the course of a complex synthesis; as, many industrial chemicals are produced primarily to be used as intermediates in other syntheses.
Intermediate
A substance formed during a chemical process before the desired product is obtained
Intermediate
Act between parties with a view to reconciling differences;
He interceded in the family dispute
He mediated a settlement
Intermediate
Lying between two extremes in time or space or degree;
Going from sitting to standing without intermediate pushes with the hands
Intermediate stages in a process
Intermediate stops on the route
An intermediate level
The last time I saw Paris
The last day of the month
Had the last word
Waited until the last minute
He raised his voice in a last supreme call
The last game of the season
Down to his last nickel
Intermediate
Around the middle of a scale of evaluation of physical measures;
An orange of average size
Intermediate capacity
A plane with intermediate range
Medium bombers
Common Curiosities
Can an interim position become permanent?
Yes, an interim position can become permanent if the temporary arrangement is deemed satisfactory and is formally made permanent.
Can someone be at an intermediate level in different skills?
Yes, a person can be at an intermediate level in multiple skills, indicating a middle level of proficiency in each.
What is the main difference between interim and intermediate?
Interim refers to a temporary arrangement until something permanent is established, while intermediate denotes a middle or halfway point.
Do all processes have intermediate stages?
Many processes, especially those involving growth, learning, or development, have intermediate stages, but the specifics can vary widely.
Can an organization have both interim and intermediate positions?
Yes, an organization can have both interim (temporary roles) and intermediate positions (mid-level roles within a hierarchical or skill-based structure).
Is intermediate always between two points?
Yes, intermediate typically describes something in the middle of a sequence, level, or process.
How long does an interim period last?
The duration of an interim period varies depending on the specific situation and is defined by the time needed to achieve or transition to the next phase.
What determines the end of an interim period?
The end of an interim period is determined by the fulfillment of the conditions set for the transition to a permanent or next phase.
What role does context play in differentiating interim from intermediate?
Context is crucial; "interim" focuses on the temporary nature of situations, while "intermediate" relates to the positional aspect within a sequence or progression.
How is intermediate used in education?
In education, intermediate is used to describe courses, levels, or stages that are between the introductory and advanced levels.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
