Inter vs. intra
Sometimes suffix and prefixes can cause some serious confusions while writing or speaking the English language.
One such example can be seen with Inter vs Intra.
In this post, we are going to tell you the difference.
Let’s get started.
| Inter | Intra |
|---|---|
| Race refers to the physical traits | Ethnicity refers to cultural identification |
| E.g., Most people belonging to different races of Asia have brown skin. | E.g., Bengalis are one of the most well-known ethnic groups of the world. |
Have you ever wondered what’s the difference between the interstate highway and the intrastate highway and why do they sound different?
Well, the difference is in the prefix and since Inter means between two groups, and the prefix intra means within or inside one group, it brings a change of meaning. Let’s look at in details.
Inter-
This prefix means between or among groups. Like the interstate highway is laid out between states and it connects them together. But the prefix inter is different like, the word international means between or among nations.
Intra-
This prefix means within or inside. Like the internet, it is known as a system that connects computers around the world. Another related term is the intranet which refers to a network of computers and they connect people within a certain group.
Hyphenation of Inter and Intra
Both these suffixes can be attached to the nouns without a hyphen. Like, we can write interstellar and intercity. Although you might see various rules regarding them. But the fact is that you choose any one of them.
When to Use Inter
We can use inter if you wish to describe an action happening between two groups or objects. Some examples using this prefix can be:
- Interaction – It is action happening between people or objects
- Intercom – a kind of communication happening between a microphone and a loudspeaker
- Intermission – the intermediate break between acts
- Intersection – the point where two lines cross
- Interval – the intermediate space between two events
- Intervene – coming in between
Now, there can be a dozen more such examples of this popular prefix. But remember that most of the time they are describing the relationship between or among two nouns. You cannot use the prefix intra to substitute in these words.
When to Use Intra
This prefix can be used to describe an action happening within or inside a noun. Sometimes, you can refer to activities within a group or a verb happening inside of a singular noun. Let’s look at some examples to understand better.
- Intracranial – something inside the skull
- Intradermal – something within the skin layer
- Intramural – something within a school or institution
- Intranasal – something inside the nose
- Intravenous – something inside the vein
Some Questions and Answers:
He went to see some movie about (inter/intra) +galactic football.
-> He went to see some movie about inter-galactic football.
The doctor gave him an (inter/intra) +venous injection.
-> The doctor gave him an intravenous injection.
I cannot wait any longer for the (inter/intra) +val.
-> I cannot wait any longer for the interval.
The movie was good after (inter/intra) +mission.
-> The movie was good after intermission.
Conclusion:
So, there you have it. The difference between “inter” and “intra”. Let us know if you have any other queries.
More Articles：
