Intermix: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：mix or blend together (intermix)

intermix 🔊

/ˌɪn.tərˈmɪks/

to mix two or more things together so that they become combined with each other.

Intermix definition illustrated by two colored liquids blending into one

mix or blend together 🔊

➕

/mɪks ɔːr blɛnd təˈɡeðər/

To cause two or more distinct things to become combined into one mass or substance.

📁 Category：Botany Research 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'inter-' (between, among) + 'mix' (to mix).

💡 Mnemonic

INTERMIX = INTERtwine + MIX. Think of intertwining two threads while mixing them.

📖 Example

In her garden, she liked to intermix different flower seeds so that the colors would bloom together in a surprising way. 🔊 She enjoyed mixing different types of flower seeds together in her garden to create a surprising blend of colors when they bloomed.

🔗 Collocations

intermix with – to blend or combine one thing with another

closely intermixed – things that are blended together very thoroughly

freely intermix – to blend or combine without restriction

🔄 Synonyms

blend (v.) – To mix substances together so they combine inseparably.

combine (v.) – To join or merge to form a single unit.

merge (v.) – To cause two or more things to combine or lose their individual identities.

🚫 Antonyms

separate (v.) – To cause to move or be apart.

isolate (v.) – To place or keep apart from others.

🌱 Derivatives

intermixture (n.) – The action of intermixing; a mass or product formed by intermixing.

📖 Cultural Story

The word entered English in the late 16th century from Latin 'intermixtus', the past participle of 'intermiscēre', via the now-obsolete French 'entremêler'. Initially used in alchemy and philosophy, it described the physical and conceptual blending of elements or ideas.