Distinguishing Between Inter & Intra

Inter vs Intra

Prefixes inter and intra are crucial in the English language, and it is essential to understand the difference between them. As both are prefixes, there is not much to say about them as individual words. Intra has its origin in Latin, meaning inside. On the other hand, the word inter originates from the Old French word entre, meaning between. The primary function of both inter and intra is the same as any other prefix: they join the front of other words to create new meaningful words.

What does Inter mean?

Inter is a prefix indicating the sense of between. According to the Oxford English dictionary, the prefix inter means either “between; among” or “mutually; reciprocally.” The prefix inter is used to suggest events such as competitions, examinations, or matches between associations, institutions, schools, colleges, or other establishments, as shown in the sentences provided below.

An inter-collegiate basketball competition was held last month.
An inter-school music event took place last evening.

In the first sentence, the use of the prefix inter suggests that a basketball competition was held between two or more colleges. In the second sentence, the use of the prefix inter indicates that a music event occurred between two or more schools. This distinction is the main difference between the usages of the two prefixes, inter and intra. The prefix inter is used in forming several other hyphenated words, such as ‘inter-disciplinary,’ ‘intermediate,’ ‘inter-continental,’ and others. Additionally, the prefix inter is used in forming many other generally used words, mainly in the sense of between, such as interpersonal, inter-plead, interlude, internet, interpolate, interpretation, intersection, and more.

What does Intra mean?

Conversely, intra is a prefix indicating the sense of within. According to the Oxford English dictionary, the prefix intra means “on the inside; within.” Furthermore, the word intra is used in forming several other words, such as ‘intranet,’ ‘intravenous,’ ‘intramuscular,’ and others.

What is the difference between Inter and Intra?

• Inter is a prefix indicating the sense of between, while intra is a prefix indicating the sense of within. This distinction is the main difference between the two prefixes inter and intra.
• The prefix inter is used to suggest events such as competitions, examinations, or matches between associations, institutions, schools, colleges, or other establishments.
• The prefix inter is used in forming several other hyphenated words.
• On the other hand, the word intra is used in forming several other words.
• The prefix inter is used in forming many other generally used words, mainly in the sense of between.

Key Takeaways

• The prefix inter indicates the sense of between, while intra indicates the sense of within.
• Inter is used to suggest events between associations, institutions, schools, colleges, or other establishments, while intra is not.
• Both inter and intra are used in forming several other words, but inter is used in many generally used words, mainly in the sense of between.