C1adjective2K

Intact

UK /["/ɪnˈtækt/"]/US /["/ɪnˈtækt/"]/

Definition

complete and not damaged

In simple words: Still whole, not damaged or changed.

Examples

  • Most of the house **remains intact** even after two hundred years.
  • He emerged from the trial with his reputation intact.
  • The character of the original house is very much intact.
  • The collection should be kept completely intact.
  • The mill machinery is still intact.
  • The team returns largely intact to defend its title.
  • We found the tomb perfectly intact.
  • a group of old army buildings that had been left largely intact
  • a hero who always escaped by the skin of his teeth, emerging miraculously intact after each cliff-hanging episode

Usage notes

Use 'intact' to describe something that is complete and not broken or altered. It is appropriate in both everyday and more serious contexts, but avoid using it in informal conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Sounds like 'in tact' — imagine something staying perfectly together.

Collocations

  • appear
  • be
  • remain
  • remarkably
  • substantially
  • very much

Synonyms

  • undamaged

Antonyms

  • damaged
  • broken
  • fragmented

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'tact' or 'contact'.
  • Used incorrectly as a verb.
  • Not using it in the right context, like saying 'intact' for emotions.