1. Interim (noun): A temporary period or interval.
2. Interim (adjective): Temporary or provisional.
3. Interim (adverb): For the time being.
"Interim" usually refers to something that fills a gap between two clearly defined points, such as an acting manager stepping in until a permanent hire. Its sense of temporary relief also appears in finance when companies issue interim dividends between regular payouts. In law, an interim order offers short-term protection while a full hearing is pending. People even use it figuratively, speaking of an interim plan that keeps a project alive during revisions. Explore how this handy word captures moments of transition and try weaving it into your own writing.
"Interim" refers to something temporary or serving as a placeholder until a permanent solution is established. Its meanings apply in various contexts, from organizational roles to time periods.
This use refers to a gap or interval between two events, such as during a leadership transition.
As an adjective, it describes something that is not permanent, like an interim report.
This adverbial use emphasizes temporary arrangements, such as interim measures, during a crisis.
Interim functions most often as a noun (“during the interim”) and an adjective (“an interim report”). As a noun, it labels the period itself, while as an adjective, it describes anything provisional that operates within that period. Less common is its rare adverbial use in dated legal English, where “interim” can mean “meanwhile” on its own.
The word "interim" is pronounced as "IN-tuh-rim." It has three syllables, with the emphasis placed on the first syllable. The first part, "in," sounds like the word "in." The second syllable, "tuh," is soft and sounds like the "tu" in "tug." The third syllable, "rim," rhymes with the word "trim." When saying "interim," be sure to emphasize the "IN" sound while keeping the "tuh-rim" softer and flowing naturally.
Phonetic Pronunciation: /ˈɪn.tə.rɪm/
Synonyms provide alternative words with similar meanings:
Antonyms represent the opposite meanings of "interim":
Using "interim" in context helps clarify its meanings:
Google’s Ngram Viewer shows that “interim” gained noticeable traction during the mid-twentieth-century economic boom, dipped slightly in the 1980s, and has held steady in print and digital media since the 1990s. Business journalism, legal writing, and news reports about politics help keep the word in regular rotation.
Variants adapt the word for specific uses:
Words related to "interim" include:
The term comes straight from the classical Latin “interim,” meaning “meanwhile.” English records first listed it in the mid-1500s, when Tudor officials used it to label short-lived edicts. By the eighteenth century, newspapers used “interim” for temporary ministries in Europe. During industrialization, it spread into corporate bookkeeping for halfway financial statements. Today the original Latin sense of “in the meantime” still shines through every modern usage.
Derivatives and compounds highlight variations of the word:
Misspellings of "interim" often occur due to phonetic similarities:
Idioms that convey similar meanings to interim include:
Here are detailed answers to questions about "interim":
1. What does "interim" mean?
It means something temporary or provisional, such as a placeholder period or role.
2. Is "interim" a noun or an adjective?
It is both; it can describe a temporary state or serve as a noun for a gap or interval.
3. Can "interim" be used as an adverb?
Yes, it can mean "for the time being" when used adverbially.
4. What is an "interim" manager?
An "interim" manager temporarily fills a leadership role during a transition period.
5. How is "interim" used in business?
It is used to describe temporary roles, reports, or solutions in organizational contexts.
6. What is the etymology of "interim"?
The word comes from the Latin "interim," meaning "in the meantime."
7. What is the difference between "interim" and "temporary"?
"Interim" often implies a transitional state, while "temporary" emphasizes a short duration.
8. What are "interim" solutions?
These are temporary fixes designed to bridge gaps until a permanent solution is implemented.
9. Can "interim" describe a time frame?
Yes, it often refers to the interval between two events or decisions.
10. What is an example of "interim" in a sentence?
An "interim" report was issued to address concerns before the final publication.
The term "interim" refers to something temporary, whether a state, period, or role. Its versatility makes it a valuable term in professional and everyday contexts. Consider incorporating it into your vocabulary to describe temporary arrangements with clarity.
