interposition

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'interposition' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the action of intervening between two people or things, or the act of putting something in between two other things. For example, "The leader attempted to use interposition to resolve the dispute between the two nations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

Only the interposition of French troops between rebels in the north and the regular army in the south stopped the country from disintegrating.Some argue that, without the French blocking the way, the rebels would have captured Abidjan and toppled the government.

The Economist

The learned separation of stimulation and response allows the interposition of more complex intellectual activities such as thinking, imagining, and planning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The ceremonies were open to a deeper understanding, however, that was not made explicit by any theology or by any set of creeds but by the religious action itself, which contained the meaning and conveyed it to the participants without the interposition of words.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A fracture may also unite slowly or not at all because of deficient blood supply to one or more of the bone fragments, separation of the fragments by distention or interposition of a tendon, ligament, or fat, or excessive motion at the fracture site.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The greatest threat to the system was the interference or interposition of favourites—"accidental people"—and, to guard against this, the oligarchy entered into an alliance with the rank-and-file service nobles who wanted to join its ranks and could hope to do so with the help of the dignitaries' patronage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Writing in response to Southern bitterness over the Tariff of 1828 ("Tariff of Abominations"), Calhoun took the position that state "interposition" could block enforcement of a federal law.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

John's pontificate, marked by greed and nepotism, was thus dominated by Crescentius, except during the interpositions of Empress Theophano, the Holy Roman emperor Otto II's widow.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Calpers also asserts that specialists stepped between existing buyers and sellers and bought stock, only to sell it moments later, a practice called interpositioning.

The New York Times

By trading ahead, or interpositioning, firms made money for themselves while incurring losses for their clients, according to the suit.

The New York Times

A few of Ellison's interpositions take genuine issue: when Tom Siebel, one of Oracle's most successful sales managers, is quoted saying he left in part because of Oracle's deficient "ethical standards," Ellison rejoins that he left "because he thought the big-money days were over".

The New York Times - Books

Regulators at the exchange contend that from 2000 to 2002, specialists committed numerous violations by stepping between ready buyers and sellers of stock; the practice, known as interpositioning, violates stock exchange rules.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "interposition" to denote a deliberate act of placing or coming between two things or entities, often to mediate or obstruct. Be mindful of the context, as it can also refer to a state's rights doctrine.

Common error

Avoid using "interposition" when a simpler word like "intervention" or "mediation" would suffice. Overusing complex vocabulary can make your writing sound pretentious. Ensure "interposition" accurately reflects the intended meaning of placing something specifically between two other things.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "interposition" is as a noun, referring to the act of intervening or the state of being interposed. As Ludwig AI points out, it describes a coming or placing between entities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

31%

Science

28%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "interposition" functions as a noun that describes the act of intervening or placing something between two entities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and offers examples primarily from news media, encyclopedias, and scientific sources. While grammatically sound, be mindful of its formality and consider simpler alternatives like "intervention" or "mediation" in less formal contexts. Understanding its nuanced meaning, especially in legal and political settings, is crucial for its accurate application. Usage tips include being aware of simpler synonyms and avoiding overuse to maintain clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intervention

Implies a more forceful entry into a situation to alter its course.

interference

Focuses on hindering or disrupting a process.

mediation

Focuses on acting as an intermediary to reconcile differences.

intermediary action

Emphasizes the role of acting as a go-between.

arbitration

Suggests a formal process of settling a dispute.

intercession

Highlights pleading or intervening on behalf of someone else.

insertion

Stresses the act of placing something into something else.

introduction

Implies bringing something new into a context.

emplacement

Highlights the act of positioning or setting something in place.

intrusion

Suggests entering a situation without permission or welcome.

FAQs

How does "interposition" differ from intervention?

"Interposition" specifically implies placing or coming between two things, often to mediate or obstruct. "Intervention", on the other hand, is a broader term that refers to any act of interfering or getting involved in a situation.

In what contexts is "interposition" most appropriately used?

"Interposition" is suitably used in legal, political, and philosophical contexts, particularly when discussing states' rights or the act of placing an entity between two others. It is also appropriate when referring to a physical object being placed between others.

Are there synonyms for "interposition" that are more commonly used in modern English?

Yes, depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "mediation", "intervention", or "interference". These alternatives might be more readily understood by a general audience.

Is "interposition" considered a formal or informal term?

"Interposition" is generally considered a formal term. It's more likely to appear in academic, legal, or political writing than in casual conversation.