intersect

Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈtɜːrˌsɛkt/

Definitions

1. To cross or meet at a point; to share a common point.
2. To divide or cut through something by crossing.
3. To come into contact with something, often at an angle or in the form of overlapping.

Usage Examples

• The two roads intersect near the town square.
• The paths of the two rivers intersect at the delta.
• Our interests intersect when it comes to modern technology.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin "intersectus," the past participle of "intersec," meaning "to cut across," from "inter-" (between) and "secare" (to cut).

Synonyms

• Cross
• Meet
• Overlap
• Converge
• Cut through

Antonyms

• Diverge
• Separate
• Split
• Avoid

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• US: /ɪnˈtɜːrˌsɛkt/
• UK: /ˈɪntəˌsɛkt/
• Australia: /ɪnˈtɜːsɛkt/

Historical Usage

The verb "intersect" has been used in English since the late 15th century, derived from the Latin "intersectus," referring to the act of crossing or cutting across something. The word has broadened in scope, not only referring to physical intersections (such as roads or paths) but also to abstract concepts, like the intersection of ideas or interests.

Cultural Nuances

In various cultures, the concept of "intersection" has philosophical implications. For example, in Western cultures, intersections are often seen as points of convergence where different ideas, cultures, or paths meet. In contrast, some Eastern philosophies view the intersection of different forces as essential to balance and harmony.

More Information

The verb "intersect" is commonly used in both everyday language and specialized fields such as mathematics, where it refers to the point at which two geometric objects meet. In computer science, the concept of intersection is crucial in algorithms that deal with sets or databases, especially when determining common elements or results.