Meaning and usage guide
inter- vs intra-
Meaning, usage, and examples
Inter- means between or among separate groups, places, or things. Intra- means within a single group, place, or thing.
How to choose
Draw the boundary before choosing the prefix
Ask whether the action crosses from one unit to another or remains inside one unit.
Between units: inter-
Use inter- for connections, actions, or comparisons between separate groups or entities.
Interdepartmental work connects two or more departments.
Within one unit: intra-
Use intra- for something happening inside the limits of one group or entity.
Intradepartmental training stays within one department.
Established vocabulary
Many compounds are written without a hyphen. Use a dictionary for the accepted spelling and stress pattern.
Internet is established, while an intranet is a private internal network.
Direct answer
What is the difference?
The prefixes set the boundary of a relationship. International concerns two or more nations; intranational stays within one nation. Interpersonal happens between people; intrapersonal happens within one person. The spelling after the prefix may change with established words, so check a dictionary before creating a new compound.
Optional listening · American English
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Word 1
inter-
prefix
Between, among, or involving two or more separate things or groups.
US pronunciation
/ˈɪntər/
UK IPA
/ˈɪntə/
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Word 2
intra-
prefix
Within or on the inside of one thing, place, or group.
US pronunciation
/ˈɪntrə/
UK IPA
/ˈɪntrə/
Hear two natural voices
Listen in context
6 example sentences
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Examples with
inter-
- The prefix inter- means between separate groups.
- Use inter- in international for relations between nations.
- An inter-agency team includes people from multiple agencies.
Examples with
intra-
- The prefix intra- means within one group.
- Use intra- in intranet for a network within an organization.
- An intra-company transfer stays inside the same company.
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