Reading Theme:
Intersection: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：road crossing (intersection)
intersection
/ˌɪntərˈsɛkʃən/
n.
A place where two or more roads meet or cross each other, often with traffic lights or signs.
road crossing
➕
/rəʊd ˈkrɒsɪŋ/
n.
A point where two or more roads meet, often controlled by traffic lights or signs.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'inter-' (between) and 'secare' (to cut), meaning a cutting across.
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine INTERSECT: where roads or lines INTERSECT and cross paths.
📖 Example
At the intersection ahead, turn left to reach the shopping mall.
At the road crossing ahead, turn left to get to the shopping mall.
🔗 Collocations
busy intersection – A crossing point with heavy traffic.
traffic intersection – A road junction regulated by signals or signs.
at the intersection – Located or occurring at the crossing point of roads.
🔄 Synonyms
junction (n.) – A point where roads or lines meet.
crossroads (n.) – A place where two roads cross each other.
crossing (n.) – A point or path where something crosses.
🚫 Antonyms
straightaway (n.) – A straight section of road without intersections.
bypass (n.) – A road that goes around a busy area, avoiding intersections.
🌱 Derivatives
intersect (v.) – To cross or meet at a point.
intersectional (adj.) – Relating to or involving intersections.
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'intersectio', entering English in the 15th century for geometric crossings and later adopted for road junctions in urban planning.
Meaning 2：meeting point (intersection)
intersection
/ˌɪntərˈsɛkʃən/
n.
In mathematics, the point or set where two lines, curves, or sets meet and cross each other.
meeting point
➕
/ˈmiːtɪŋ pɔɪnt/
n.
In mathematics, the location where two lines, curves, or sets overlap or cross.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
On the graph, the intersection of the two lines shows where supply equals demand.
On the chart, the meeting point of the two lines indicates where supply matches demand.
🔗 Collocations
point of intersection – The exact spot where lines or sets cross.
set intersection – In set theory, the common elements between two sets.
intersection point – A specific location where geometric figures meet.
🔄 Synonyms
crosspoint (n.) – A point where lines intersect.
overlap (n.) – An area where two things cover part of the same space.
confluence (n.) – A coming together at a point, often used metaphorically.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
intersect (v.) – To cross or meet at a point.
intersectional (adj.) – Relating to or involving intersections.
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