Understanding “Interfere”: A Synonym-Focused Exploration
interfere – Definition and Part of Speech
The word “interfere” is primarily a verb. It describes the act of getting involved in or disrupting the course of events, often causing complications or preventing something from occurring as it might have without such intervention. The base form is “to interfere,” with conjugations including “interferes,” “interfered,” and participle forms like “interfering.”
Core Synonyms
Below are some synonyms for “interfere,” along with brief definitions, example sentences, and notes on style or register:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intrude | To enter without invitation or welcome | “He did not want her to intrude in his conversation.” | Formal/Informal |
| Meddle | To involve oneself unwarrantedly in someone else’s affairs | “Stop meddling with my plans!” | Informal/Casual |
| Obstruct | To block or impede progress | “The fallen tree obstructed the path, preventing travelers from passing.” | Formal/Academic |
| Impede | To delay or prevent someone/something by obstructing | “Heavy rain impeded traffic across the city.” | Academic/Technical |
| Disrupt | To interrupt and cause disorder in a process | “The protest disrupted the flow of daily activities in the city center.” | Business/Formal |
Usage Notes
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Intrude: This synonym often carries a connotation of being unwelcome or invasive. It is used both formally and informally when someone enters a space, conversation, or matter without invitation.
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Meddle: Frequently seen in informal contexts, “meddle” suggests unnecessary or unwanted involvement, typically in personal affairs. It’s common in casual conversations where boundaries are emphasized.
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Obstruct: Used predominantly in formal settings such as business reports or academic writings, it implies a physical or metaphorical blockage that hinders progress.
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Impede: This term is often used in technical and academic contexts to denote hindrance that delays or prevents advancement. It’s precise, suitable for discussions about barriers to goals or projects.
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Disrupt: Commonly used in both business and formal writing, it refers to causing significant interruption or disorder. The term has gained traction in modern contexts, especially regarding technology or social movements (e.g., “disruption” in business).
Common Pitfalls
One common mistake is using these synonyms interchangeably without considering their nuances. For example, “intrude” and “meddle” both imply unwelcome involvement but differ in formality and the nature of interference. Additionally, while “obstruct” and “impede” are often similar, “obstruct” usually suggests a more physical barrier than the broader or abstract barriers implied by “impede.”
Final Recap
The verb “interfere” has several synonyms that offer nuanced meanings depending on context: “intrude,” “meddle,” “obstruct,” “impede,” and “disrupt.” Each word carries its own shade of meaning, making them suitable for different contexts ranging from casual conversations to formal business or academic writing.
To expand your vocabulary effectively:
- Practice using these words in sentences tailored to specific settings.
- Experiment with their usage in both written and spoken language to grasp the subtle differences between them.
By integrating these synonyms into your repertoire, you’ll enhance not just your vocabulary but also your ability to communicate more precisely across various scenarios.