Etymology Map
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Interim

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means temporary; the meantime

Where does the word "interim" come from? It comes from Latin interim, adopted directly into English (1540s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
interim
Latin · ancient
"meanwhile"
from 'inter', between
2
Stage 2 of 2
interim
English · 1540s
"meanwhile"
'interim report' dates from the 1800s
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Read the full story

Interim’s story begins in Latin: interim meant “meanwhile.” From 'inter', between. It reached English by 1540s as interim. 'interim report' dates from the 1800s. Today, interim means temporary; the meantime.