What does intersecting mean?
Intersecting means meeting, crossing, or sharing a common point or area. In geometry, two lines intersect when they meet at a point, while surfaces or shapes may intersect along a line or at several points. The word is also used figuratively for ideas, interests, or fields of study that overlap or influence one another. For example, two roads may physically intersect, while two research projects may intersect in the subjects they examine. Its precise use depends on what is being described: “intersecting circles” refers to a mathematical relationship, whereas “intersecting interests” suggests shared concerns. The word is common in both British and American English and is especially useful when describing connections between otherwise separate lines, systems, or subjects.
To meet, cross, or overlap at a point or points.
"The path intersects the highway at a traffic circle."
Also used figuratively for two subjects, interests, or lines of discussion that overlap.
Crossing or meeting at one or more points; overlapping.
"The diagram shows two intersecting lines."
Common in technical contexts, especially geometry, and in figurative descriptions of related ideas or interests.
A road intersection is a place where intersecting paths briefly share the same space.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How intersecting is actually used
The word is formal and technical in some contexts, especially mathematics and geometry, but it is also common in general speech. It usually describes lines, paths, ideas, or interests that meet or overlap.
Easily confused with intersecting
To intersect means to meet or cross, whereas to intervene means to become involved in order to alter or stop a situation.