Langimage
English

intervene

|in-ter-vene|

B2

🇺🇸

/ˌɪntərˈviːn/

🇬🇧

/ˌɪntəˈviːn/

come between

Etymology
Etymology Information

'intervene' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'intervenire,' where 'inter-' meant 'between' and 'venire' meant 'to come.'

Historical Evolution

'intervenire' transformed into the Old French word 'intervenir,' and eventually became the modern English word 'intervene' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to come between,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to come between disputing people, groups, etc.; intercede; mediate.

The teacher had to intervene in the argument between the two students.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Verb 2

to occur or be between two things.

Several years intervened between the two events.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:40