interim
Meaning
Temporary and intended to be used or accepted until something permanent exists.
The period of time between two events.
Structure
Usage
An interim government was established to oversee the transition.
She was appointed as the interim manager until a permanent replacement could be found.
In the interim, please direct all inquiries to my assistant.
Etymology
The word 'interim' entered English in the mid-16th century directly from Latin, where it functioned as an adverb meaning "in the meantime". It is formed from the preposition 'inter', meaning "between", which has a deep Proto-Indo-European root signifying separation or contrast. The '-im' is an archaic Latin adverbial suffix. Originally used in legal and diplomatic contexts to denote an intervening period, such as between the death of a pope and the election of a successor, its meaning broadened to describe any provisional arrangement or temporary interval. The logic of the word perfectly captures its modern sense: something that exists between two more definitive states or events.
Analysis
'inter' is a Latin preposition and prefix meaning "between, among". The suffix '-im' is the Latin accusative singular ending of the adjective 'interim', making it function as an adverb meaning "in the meantime".