Interim

Definition

A temporary or provisional arrangement or period of time, especially one made as a break between two more permanent states.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɪntərɪm/
• Respelling: IN-ter-im (with "IN" as in "tin," "ter" as in "her," and "im" as in "him")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɪntərɪm/
• Respelling: IN-ter-im (with "IN" as in "tin," "ter" as in "her," and "im" as in "him")

In both dialects, "interim" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "IN." The pronunciation is the same across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "IN-ter-im."

Etymology

Derived from Latin "interim", meaning "meanwhile" or "in the meantime". Historically, it was used to refer to the intervening time between two actions or events.

Derivatives

• Interims (noun, plural)
• Interimly (adverb, rare)
• Interimation (noun, rare)
• Interimist (noun, rare)
• Interimistic (adjective, rare)

Synonyms

• Temporary
• Provisional
• Transitory

Antonyms

• Permanent
• Final
• Fixed

Usage

"Interim" is commonly used to describe temporary measures or positions in various contexts such as business, government, and education. It indicates that the arrangement is not meant to be permanent but is instead a placeholder until a final decision is made.

Related Terms

• Transitional
• Stopgap
• Interlude
• Temporal
• Provision

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Interim (Noun): A period of time between two events or points in time.
  • Example: "The CEO resigned, and the company appointed an interim leader to manage operations until a new CEO is found."

• Interim (Noun, Obsolete): An intervening time.
  • Example: "During the interim, the team will focus on short-term projects."

Adjective

• Interim (Adjective): Temporary or provisional in nature.
  • Example: "The interim report provides a summary of the project's progress so far."

• Interim (Adjective, Financial): Relating to a financial statement covering a period of less than a full year.
  • Example: "The interim financial results will be published next week."

Note: While "interim" often emphasizes a period of waiting or transition, it can also underscore the temporary nature of a situation, state, or role in various contexts.