Intact: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：remaining undamaged and complete (intact)

intact 🔊

/ɪnˈtækt/

adj.

Not damaged or broken, staying in the original complete state.

Intact definition illustrated by a pristine, untouched smartphone in perfect condition.

remaining undamaged and complete 🔊

➕

/rɪˈmeɪnɪŋ ˌʌndəˈmæʤd ænd kəmˈpliːt/

adj.

Describes something that has not been harmed, broken, or altered, and therefore remains in its original, whole condition.

📁 Category：Culture & History 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'intactus' (in- 'not' + tactus 'touched', from tangere 'to touch').

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a 'tact' (contact) that's 'in' (not) allowed - so it remains untouched and complete.

📖 Example

Despite the long journey, the ancient mirror was discovered intact by the archaeologists. 🔊 Even after the extensive travel, the old mirror was found completely undamaged by the archaeologists.

🔗 Collocations

remain intact – to continue to be whole and undamaged

keep intact – to preserve something in its original, complete state

leave intact – to not change or damage something

🔄 Synonyms

undamaged (adj.) – not harmed or impaired

unharmed (adj.) – not injured or damaged

pristine (adj.) – in its original condition; unspoiled

🚫 Antonyms

damaged (adj.) – harmed or impaired

broken (adj.) – separated into pieces; not functioning

shattered (adj.) – broken violently into many pieces

🌱 Derivatives

intactness (n.) – the state or quality of being intact

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'intact' comes directly from Latin 'intactus', meaning 'untouched, unhurt'. Originally describing physical objects that had escaped damage or interference, its use broadened to signify abstract or structural completeness, such as an 'intact ecosystem' or 'intact family unit'.