Cool MateInterfere vs Interrupt
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Interfere
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Interrupt
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
| Interfere | Interrupt | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌɪntəˈfɪə(r)/","/ˌɪntəˈfɪəz/","/ˌɪntəˈfɪəd/","/ˌɪntəˈfɪərɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌɪntərˈfɪr/","/ˌɪntərˈfɪrz/","/ˌɪntərˈfɪrd/","/ˌɪntərˈfɪrɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌɪntəˈrʌpt/","/ˌɪntəˈrʌpts/","/ˌɪntəˈrʌptɪd/","/ˌɪntəˈrʌptɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌɪntəˈrʌpt/","/ˌɪntəˈrʌpts/","/ˌɪntəˈrʌptɪd/","/ˌɪntəˈrʌptɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To get in the way of something or someone. | to stop someone while they are speaking or doing something |
| Example | I wish my parents would stop interfering and let me make my own decisions. | Please do not interrupt me while I am speaking. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | seriously, directly, constantly, be allowed to, have a right to, attempt to, in, with | impatiently, rudely, angrily, be sorry to, (not) dare (to), with, get interrupted |
| Antonyms | assist, help, support | listen, allow, support |
| Common mistakes | 'Interfere' is often confused with 'intervene', which has a slightly different meaning., Learners sometimes use 'interfere' without a preposition, which can sound awkward., Using 'interfere' when talking about positive involvement instead of negative disruption. | Using 'interrupt' incorrectly when meaning to 'wait' or 'pause'., Confusing 'interrupt' with 'interject', which implies a more formal or thoughtful interruption., Saying 'interrupting to someone' instead of 'interrupting someone'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'interfere' in situations where someone or something disrupts another's activities. It's generally neutral but can be negative in formal contexts, like in work or legal matters. | Use 'interrupt' when talking about breaking into someone's conversation or action. It's appropriate in both formal and informal contexts, but be cautious in formal settings as it may be seen as rude if done excessively. |
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Frequently asked questions: Interfere vs Interrupt
What's the difference between Interfere and Interrupt?
Interfere: To get in the way of something or someone. Interrupt: to stop someone while they are speaking or doing something
Which is more advanced: Interfere and Interrupt?
Interfere is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Interfere and Interrupt the same CEFR level?
Interfere: C1, Interrupt: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Interfere and Interrupt?
Interfere: verb, Interrupt: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Interfere: I wish my parents would stop interfering and let me make my own decisions. Interrupt: Please do not interrupt me while I am speaking.
Can I use Interfere and Interrupt interchangeably?
Not always. Interfere and Interrupt are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.