Interaction

Definition

A reciprocal action or influence between two or more entities, objects, or individuals.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌɪntərˈækʃən/
• Respelling: in-ter-AK-shun (with "in" as in "tin," "ter" as in "her," "AK" as in "cat," and "shun" as in "nation")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌɪntəˈrækʃən/
• Respelling: in-tuh-AK-shun (with "in" as in "tin," "tuh" as in "sofa," "AK" as in "cat," and "shun" as in "nation")

In both dialects, "interaction" places the primary stress on the third syllable, "AK." The American pronunciation includes a pronounced "ter" sound, while the British pronunciation has a softer "tuh" sound. The articulation focuses on "in-ter-AK-shun" (American) and "in-tuh-AK-shun" (British).

Etymology

The term "interaction" is derived from the Latin word inter, meaning "between" or "among", combined with action, which comes from the Latin word actio meaning "a doing". It essentially signifies "a doing between" or "a mutual action".

Derivatives

• Interact (verb)
• Interactive (adjective)
• Interactively (adverb)
• Interacting (verb, present participle)
• Interactional (adjective)

Synonyms

• Communication
• Exchange
• Interplay

Antonyms

• Isolation
• Noninteraction
• Segregation

Usage

Interaction is used in various contexts, including social interactions, human-computer interactions, and physical interactions in scientific fields.

Related Terms

• Reciprocity
• Engagement
• Dialogue
• Feedback
• Connectivity

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Interaction (Noun, General): A reciprocal action or influence between people or things.
  • Example: "The interaction between the two chemicals resulted in a significant reaction."

• Interaction (Noun, Social): The communication or direct involvement with someone or something.
  • Example: "Face-to-face interaction is essential for building strong relationships."

• Interaction (Noun, Computing): The way a user interacts with a computer system or software.
  • Example: "The program’s user-friendly design facilitates easy interaction."

• Interaction (Noun, Physics): The action that occurs when two or more particles exert forces on each other.
  • Example: "The study focused on the interaction between subatomic particles."

Note: The term "interaction" underscores the shared or mutual action or influence of things upon each other, whether these things are abstract concepts, physical entities, or people.