interposition

IPA/ˌɪn.tə.pəˈzɪʃ.ən/
IPA/ˌɪn.t̬ɚ.pəˈzɪʃ.ən/

interposition — noun

  • interpositionsingular
  • interpositionsplural

1. the act or result of positioning one object, element, or layer between two other

1.名詞C1
釋義

the act or result of positioning one object, element, or layer between two other things — for example, placing a screen between a heat source and a piece of furniture, or a sheet of tissue between organs during a medical procedure.

例句

Tara placed a board as an interposition between the damp wall and her bed frame.

interposition of [sth] between [sth] and [sth]

The hedge serves as an interposition between the two gardens, giving both sides privacy.

同義詞
  • insertion

    focuses on putting something in, not necessarily between two other things

  • placement

    more general; does not imply a separating role

  • interjection

    mainly used for remarks or comments, not physical objects

反義詞
  • removal

    the act of taking something away rather than putting it between

  • withdrawal

    taking back something that was placed between

文法句型

interposition of [sth] between [sth] and [sth]

用法筆記

Common in technical or medical contexts to describe a separating layer. Frequently appears in the pattern 'interposition of [something] between [something] and [something]'.

常見錯誤

The interposition of the wall' (without 'between' to show what is separated).
The interposition of the wall between the two rooms
💡the pattern requires specifying what lies on each side.

2. when a person, group, or authority steps into a dispute, discussion, or problema

2.名詞C1
釋義

when a person, group, or authority steps into a dispute, discussion, or problematic situation with the intention of influencing the outcome or changing how things develop — for example, a manager intervening in a team argument, or a government stepping into a business conflict.

例句

The teacher's interposition stopped the argument between the two students from getting worse.

Hiro's interposition in the family discussion helped everyone find a solution they could agree on.

interposition in [discussion/situation]

同義詞
  • intervention

    more common synonym; 'interposition' is more formal and less frequent

  • mediation

    implies a neutral third party helping both sides reach an agreement

  • involvement

    broader; does not necessarily aim to influence the outcome

反義詞

文法句型

interposition in [sth]

interposition of [sb] in [sth]

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 1 (PLACING BETWEEN): sense 2 describes involvement in social situations rather than physical positioning. Often used in political, diplomatic, or workplace contexts. The object of 'in' names the situation or dispute, not a physical location.

常見錯誤

His interposition between the two countries brought peace' (uses physical 'between' for a diplomatic act).
His interposition in the dispute between the two countries brought peace
💡sense 2 uses 'in' for the situation, not 'between' for the parties.