How Do You Spell INTERMEDE?

Pronunciation: [ˌɪntəmˈiːd] (IPA)

Intermede is a French word that refers to an interlude or a brief entertainment in a theatrical performance. The spelling of this word is based on the French language and is pronounced as /ɛ̃tɛʁmɛd/. The first syllable 'int' is pronounced with a nasal vowel sound, and the 'r' is silent. The word is spelled with an 'e' at the end, but this is also silent. The accurate pronunciation of this word can be a bit tricky for non-natives, but practice can make it perfect.

INTERMEDE Meaning and Definition

  1. Intermede is a term with its origins in the French language, specifically in the context of music and theater. In its musical sense, an intermede is an instrumental composition characterized by lightness of tone and often performed during a break between acts or scenes of a play or an opera. Typically, an intermede serves as a form of entertainment or diversion for the audience during such intermissions. It may include elements of dance, song, or theatrical performance, adding to the overall entertainment value of the production.

    In the context of theater, an intermede refers to an entertainment piece performed between acts of a play. These interludes often feature music, dance, or short comedic sketches, providing a break in the narrative and offering additional entertainment to the audience. Similar to the musical intermede, the theatrical intermede serves as a light-hearted diversion from the main plot, allowing for enhanced enjoyment and relaxation before the resumption of the play.

    Overall, whether in the realm of music or theater, an intermede is an intermission-based performance that provides diversionary entertainment, delighting the audience with its lighter and more enjoyable themes. Its purpose is to momentarily break the intensity of a production, ensuring a more comprehensive and enjoyable artistic experience for the spectators.

  2. A musical interlude, generally of a burlesque kind.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for INTERMEDE

  • untermede
  • jntermede
  • kntermede
  • ontermede
  • 9ntermede
  • 8ntermede
  • ibtermede
  • imtermede
  • ijtermede
  • ihtermede
  • inrermede
  • infermede
  • ingermede
  • inyermede
  • in6ermede
  • in5ermede
  • intwrmede
  • intsrmede
  • intdrmede

Etymology of INTERMEDE

The word "intermede" originates from French, specifically from the 16th century. It is derived from the Latin term "intermedium", meaning "something that comes between". The Latin word stems from the combination of the prefix "inter-" meaning "between" and the word "medius" meaning "middle" or "in the middle". The French adapted it from the Italian "intermedio" which referred to the theatrical intermezzi or interludes performed between the acts of a larger theatrical production. Over time, "intermede" came to be used more broadly to denote a short, intermediate or transitional musical or theatrical piece performed between two larger sections or acts.

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