interaction
gb/ˌɪntɚˈækʃən/ us/ˌɪntɚˈækʃən/
B1
English
~ 2600
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
Communication between people
When people talk, work, or do things together.
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s interaction with [someone/something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'interaction' with 'reaction'. 'Interaction' is a two-way exchange, while 'reaction' is a one-way response.
Synonyms
communication (Focuses more on the act of conveying information rather than mutual engagement.)
|
engagement (Implies active participation and involvement, not just exchange of words.)
Antonyms
isolation (Refers to being alone or separated from others, with no communication or contact.)
Collocations
social interaction
|human interaction
|face-to-face interaction
|interaction between
|positive interaction
Themes
communication
|relationships
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The teacher encouraged interaction between the students.
- Face-to-face interaction is important for building trust.
- Online platforms have changed the way we think about human interaction.
- There was little interaction between the two departments.
- Positive interaction with customers can improve a company's reputation.
Learner examples
- I enjoy interaction with my friends.
- There is a lot of interaction in this class.
- Interaction helps people understand each other better.
- We need more interaction at work.
Noun
technical
B2
entity
2
Mutual effect between things
When two or more things cause changes in each other.
Usage pattern:
interaction between [things]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'interaction' with 'intersection'. An intersection is where things meet; an interaction involves influence or change.
Synonyms
interplay (Less formal and often used outside strictly scientific contexts.)
|
relationship (Broader term that may not imply active influence or change.)
Antonyms
independence (Indicates no effect or influence between the entities.)
Collocations
chemical interaction
|drug interaction
|interaction effect
|interaction between variables
Themes
science
|technology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The study examined the interaction between genetics and environment.
- This drug has a dangerous interaction with alcohol.
- The interaction of these chemicals produces heat.
- Scientists are interested in the interaction between light and matter.
Learner examples
- There is an interaction between these two chemicals.
- The interaction of fire and water creates steam.
- We studied the interaction between plants and insects.
Grammar
Dictionary form
interaction
IPA
GB/ˌɪntɚˈækʃən/
US/ˌɪntɚˈækʃən/
Syllables & stress
in - ter - ac - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ter)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: interaction
- Plural: interaction, interactions
Word family
Forms
interactions
noun
Core family
interact
verb B1
interactive
adjective B1
Related words
interactively
adverb
Negative and opposite forms
noninteractive
adjective
Advanced or less common
interactivity
noun
Expressions
drug interaction
1/dɹˈʌɡ ˌɪntɚˈækʃən/
fixed phrase
technical
Effect between drugs taken together
A change in how drugs work when taken together.
Examples
- This medicine has a dangerous drug interaction with alcohol.
- Doctors check for drug interactions before prescribing new medicine.
face-to-face interaction
1/fˈeɪs tə fˈeɪs ˌɪntɚˈækʃən/
fixed phrase
Direct in-person communication
Talking to someone in the same place, not online or by phone.
Examples
- Face-to-face interaction builds stronger relationships.
- They prefer face-to-face interaction over emails.
human interaction
1/hjˈumən ˌɪntɚˈækʃən/
fixed phrase
Contact between humans
When people meet, talk, or work together.
Examples
- Technology has changed human interaction in many ways.
- Human interaction is important for emotional well-being.
social interaction
1/sˈoʊʃəl ˌɪntɚˈækʃən/
fixed phrase
Communication in social settings
When people talk or do activities together in daily life.
Examples
- Children need social interaction for healthy development.
- Social interaction at work can improve teamwork.