Interim
/ˈɪntərɪm/
Definitions
2 meaningsA temporary measure or arrangement; the time between events.
/ˈɪntərɪm/
A temporary or provisional arrangement; an interval.
The committee reached an interim agreement.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're waiting for your pizza. While it's baking, you're doing something else - that in-between time is the interim. Like when the school appoints a temporary teacher while looking for a permanent one. It's the period while you are waiting.
👶 For kids: It's like a 'waiting time' or a 'temporary' thing. Like a temporary classroom if your regular room is being fixed.
More Examples
We will provide an interim report next month.
During the interim, the project was put on hold.
How It's Used
"The company appointed an interim CEO while they searched for a permanent replacement."
"The court issued an interim order to prevent further damage."
Temporary or provisional; existing or accepted for a limited time.
/ˈɪntərɪm/
Temporary; for the time being.
The interim solution worked well for now.
💡 Simply: It’s like borrowing a friend's umbrella when it’s raining. It's just for now, until you can get your own. It's not permanent or forever, like a temporary fix.
👶 For kids: Something that is only for a little while. Like a temporary toy if your favorite one is broken.
More Examples
The committee made an interim decision.
We are using interim measures until we find a permanent solution.
How It's Used
"The interim government will oversee the transition."
"She served as the interim director until a new leader was found."
Idioms & expressions
in the interim
During the intervening time; meanwhile.
"In the interim, we will continue to monitor the situation."
From Latin *interim*, meaning 'in the meantime'.
Historically used in legal and governmental contexts to describe temporary arrangements or measures.
Memory tip
Think of it as a temporary 'in-between' time.
Word Origin
"in the meantime"