What does interposition mean?
Interposition is the act of placing something between other things, or the thing placed between them. In its broadest sense, it describes an intervening element: a barrier between two spaces, a person standing between others, or a question inserted into a discussion. In legal and political language, the word can also suggest intervention that interrupts or obstructs an action. Its tone is formal and precise, making it more common in specialized writing than in everyday conversation. The related verb interpose is often used when the act of intervening is emphasized. Interposition is also useful in discussing arrangement and obstruction, since it focuses not only on insertion itself but on the position or effect of the inserted element. Its Latin origin reflects the underlying idea of placing something between.
The act of placing one thing between others, or the thing occupying an intermediate position.
"The interposition of a screen divided the room into two separate areas."
This is the general physical sense and is common in formal or descriptive writing.
An intervention that interrupts, delays, or obstructs a process.
"The committee opposed the interposition of another administrative review."
This sense is especially associated with legal, political, and institutional contexts.
Plural form is used when referring to multiple acts, arrangements, or intervening elements.
"The architect designed several interpositions between the two wings of the building."
Interposition comes from the same Latin idea as interpose: putting something between, whether physically or strategically.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does interposition come from?
Interposition comes from Latin interpositio, a noun meaning “a placing between” or “intervening,” derived from interponere, “to place between.” The prefix inter- means “between,” while ponere means “to put” or “place.” English borrowed the word through French, and it developed both physical and abstract senses associated with intervening in a process.
How interposition is actually used
The word is relatively formal and somewhat literary in general use. It is especially common in legal, political, and technical contexts, where it can imply intervention or obstruction.
Easily confused with interposition
Interposition is the noun for an act of placing something between or intervening, whereas interpose is the verb describing that action.
Interposition generally means placing something between other things, while interpolation usually means inserting material into a text, sequence, or mathematical expression.