What does intermix mean?
Intermix means to combine or mingle two or more things. It may describe physical substances, such as ingredients in a mixture, or more abstract elements, such as ideas, styles, languages, or influences. The verb can be transitive, as in a process that interchanges or combines several components, or intransitive, when separate elements mingle with one another. Compared with the broad and very common verb “mix,” intermix often has a more formal tone and may suggest a deliberate or thorough blending of distinguishable elements. It is especially useful when the sources or components remain meaningful even after being combined. A sentence might say that a composer intermixes jazz rhythms with classical forms or that two languages intermix within a community. The word is consequently useful in descriptions of cooking, art, language, culture, and the blending of opposing or varied traditions.
verbTo combine two or more things so that they become mixed together. It can also mean to mingle with other people, materials, or activities.
- To combine two or more substances, materials, qualities, or ideas so that they are mixed together.
- To mingle or become mixed with other people, substances, or activities.
"The recipe instructs the baker to intermix the flour and herbs before adding the water."
"The artist intermixes bold colours with delicate brushwork."
"Visitors from many countries intermix freely during the festival."
Intermix is “mix” with the added suggestion of several ingredients or influences being thoroughly combined.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intermix come from?
Intermix was formed in the 19th century from the combining form inter-, meaning “among” or “between,” and the older word “mix.” Both elements ultimately connect with Latin miscēre, “to mix.” The prefix distinguishes this more formal and often more deliberate blending from the general action described simply as mixing.
Related word forms
How intermix is actually used
Intermix is more formal and less everyday than “mix.” It can be used transitively, as in “intermix the ingredients,” or intransitively, as in “the two traditions intermix.”