1. Meaning of the Word:
“Interim” refers to a temporary or provisional period, often describing something that serves as a substitute or replacement for a short time until a more permanent solution is in place.
2. Definitions and Meaning in English:
- Interim (noun): A temporary period or interval between two events or stages.
- Interim (adjective): Describing something that is temporary or intended to fill a gap until something more permanent is established.
3. History and Origin:
The word “interim” comes from the Latin interim, meaning “meanwhile” or “in the meantime.” It first appeared in English around the early 17th century and has since been used to describe temporary arrangements or situations, particularly in business, government, and organizational contexts.
4. Detailed Explanation:
“Interim” is commonly used to describe something that occurs or exists temporarily during a gap or transition. For example, an interim manager is someone who temporarily takes over a leadership role until a permanent replacement is found. The term can apply to temporary arrangements, appointments, or periods of time when more permanent changes or solutions are being prepared or implemented.
It can also refer to an official report or agreement made during an interim period, especially when a final decision or result is expected later.
5. Example Sentences:
- The interim CEO will lead the company until a permanent replacement is chosen.
- We will need an interim solution to address the issue while we wait for a permanent fix.
- The interim report outlined the progress of the project up until this point.
- During the interim period, the organization will focus on restructuring its operations.
- The interim arrangements were put in place to ensure smooth operations while the renovation continued.
- An interim budget was approved to cover expenses until the new fiscal year begins.
- The council appointed an interim board to oversee the transition process.
- She served as the interim chairperson while the committee searched for a long-term leader.
- The hotel offered interim accommodation to the displaced residents until their new homes were ready.
6. Synonyms with Short Explanation:
- Temporary – Describing something meant to last only for a limited time, similar to “interim.”
- Provisional – Something that is intended as a temporary solution until something permanent is arranged.
- Transitional – Referring to a phase or process of change, similar to the temporary nature of “interim.”
- Short-term – Meant to last for a brief period, aligning with the temporary aspect of “interim.”
- Interim (used as an adjective) – Describing something that is meant to fill a gap or serve a temporary purpose, such as “interim measures.”
7. Related Words with Short Explanation:
- Interlude – A brief period of time between two events, often similar to an interim gap.
- Stopgap – A temporary solution or measure, akin to an interim arrangement.
- Transitory – Referring to something temporary or short-lived, often used in the same context as “interim.”
- Filler – Something used to fill a gap temporarily, often used as a replacement during an interim period.
- Makeshift – A temporary, often improvised solution, similar to an interim fix or arrangement.
8. More Matches with Short Explanation:
- Temporary measure – A solution or action taken for a limited time, similar to an interim approach.
- Provisional appointment – A temporary position filled until a permanent one is made, related to interim roles.
- Interim arrangement – A temporary setup or agreement, similar to interim solutions in business or governance.
- Transitional phase – A period of change or adjustment, often marked by interim solutions.
- Ad interim – A Latin term meaning “in the meantime,” often used interchangeably with “interim.”
9. Antonyms:
- Permanent – Lasting for a long time or indefinitely, the opposite of interim, which is temporary.
- Final – The ultimate or conclusive version of something, as opposed to something interim or provisional.
- Established – Something that is firmly in place and not subject to change, unlike interim solutions.
- Long-term – Intended to last for a prolonged period, in contrast to something interim.
- Continual – Something ongoing without interruption, opposite to the temporary nature of interim.
