Intact
/ɪnˈtækt/
Definitions
In an undamaged or unimpaired condition; untouched or whole.
/ɪnˈtækt/
Not damaged or impaired; whole.
The house remained intact after the earthquake.
💡 Simply: Imagine you drop your favorite mug, but it doesn't break! If it's still in one piece, it's intact. It means everything is still there and nothing is missing or broken.
👶 For kids: When something is intact, it means it's whole and not broken. Like if you don't drop your ice cream cone, it's still intact!
More Examples
Despite the fire, the library's rare book collection remained intact.
The historical documents were kept intact for researchers to examine.
How It's Used
"The ancient vase was found intact after centuries underground."
"Archaeologists carefully excavated the site to find the artifacts intact."
"The patient's vital signs remained intact despite the injury."
From Latin intactus, meaning 'untouched, whole', from in- 'not' + tactus 'touched' (past participle of tangere 'to touch').
The word 'intact' was used in the 16th century to describe something untouched or unwounded, initially in a more physical sense.
Memory tip
Think of a "tact" (touch) that hasn't been "in" (not) applied. It is untouchted.
Word Origin
"touched (past participle of tangere)"