intersecting
/ˌɪn.təˈsekt/ (bre, ipa) · [ˌɪntɚsˈɛktɪŋ] /ˌɪn.t̬ɚˈsekt/ (ame, ipa)
intersecting — verb
- intersectingpresent simple I / you / we / they
- intersectings3rd person singular
- intersectinging-ing form
- intersectingedpast simple
1. describes lines, roads, or similar routes that meet at one point and pass across
describes lines, roads, or similar routes that meet at one point and pass across each other's direction.
The map showed two intersecting roads just below the village school.
intersecting roads — physical crossing
A drone photo caught intersecting ski trails above the frozen lake.
intersecting trails — routes crossing in space
Workers painted warning signs where intersecting paths met by the bridge.
From the tower, Mila traced three intersecting streets in the old market.
- crossing
broader and more everyday; it does not always sound as exact or geometric
- meeting
only says the lines come together, not that they pass across each other
- cutting across
stresses movement across a route more than a fixed crossing point
文法句型
things are intersecting
intersecting at [point]
intersecting roads/lines/paths
用法筆記
Usually used of visible routes, edges, or lines, often with a place phrase such as 'at the bridge' or 'near the station'. Distinguish from sense 3: this sense is a literal crossing in space, not a shared topic or influence.
常見錯誤
2. to split a surface or area into smaller sections by drawing straight lines acros
to split a surface or area into smaller sections by drawing straight lines across it.
Before planting began, the survey team was intersecting the field with rope.
intersecting [field] with lines or rope
The artist used white chalk, intersecting the wall with thin diagonal lines.
intersecting a surface with diagonals
On the tablet, Yuri kept intersecting the map with a blue grid.
The tailor marked the cloth, intersecting each panel with light pencil lines.
- grid
more specific; it suggests a regular pattern of crossing lines
- section off
broader; something can be sectioned without using lines
- crosshatch
stronger and denser, often used for shading rather than general division
文法句型
intersecting [area] with [lines]
intersecting the map with a grid
intersecting the surface with diagonals
用法筆記
The object is usually an area or flat surface, and the thing doing the intersecting is often rope, chalk, a grid, or drawn lines. Distinguish from sense 1: here the crossing lines actively divide the space into smaller parts.
常見錯誤
3. to overlap in an important area so that two subjects, experiences, or problems a
to overlap in an important area so that two subjects, experiences, or problems affect one another.
Her research was intersecting with public health after the heatwave study.
intersecting with another field
Two family stories kept intersecting in the same wartime city.
intersecting in a shared setting
Art and activism were intersecting in Karim's photo show downtown.
Money worries and sleep problems were intersecting for many new parents.
- overlapping
close in meaning, but it does not always suggest mutual influence
- connecting
broader and weaker; two things can connect without sharing much
- converging
stresses moving toward one point, not necessarily already sharing parts
- diverging
moving farther apart in direction or meaning
- separating
no longer sharing the same area or influence
文法句型
intersecting with [field/issue]
two things are intersecting
intersecting in [shared area]
用法筆記
Often used for ideas, histories, identities, and social problems rather than physical objects. Common with 'with' when you name the second field. Distinguish from sense 4: this sense is broad and real-world, not the precise language of sets.
常見錯誤
4. to include at least some identical members when two sets or groups are compared.
to include at least some identical members when two sets or groups are compared.
The diagram showed two sets intersecting in the same three students.
intersecting in shared members
Our teacher explained intersecting sets using students who played both sports.
intersecting sets — classroom maths language
The computer sorted intersecting lists by the names they shared.
In class, Leo coloured intersecting circles purple where both groups matched.
- overlapping
common outside maths, but less exact about members belonging to both groups
- sharing members
plain English explanation rather than a technical label
- disjoint
mathematical term for having no shared members
文法句型
sets are intersecting
intersecting in [members]
intersecting sets
用法筆記
Usually appears in maths or data talk about sets, circles, lists, or categories. The key idea is the shared members, not a physical crossing point as in sense 1.