intersperse

[ in-ter-spurs ]

verb (used with object)

, in·ter·spersed, in·ter·spers·ing.

1. to scatter here and there or place at intervals among other things:

   to intersperse flowers among shrubs.

   Synonyms: sprinkle, strew

2. to diversify with something placed or scattered at intervals:

   to intersperse a dull speech with interesting anecdotes.

intersperse

/ ˌɪntəˈspɜːs; ˌɪntəˈspɜːsɪdlɪ; ˌɪntəˈspɜːʃən /

verb

1. to scatter or distribute among, between, or on
2. to diversify (something) with other things scattered here and there

Derived Forms

• interspersedly, adverb
• interspersion, noun

Other Words From

• in·ter·spers·ed·ly [in-ter-, spur, -sid-lee], adverb
• in·ter·sper·sion [in-ter-, spur, -zh, uh, n, -sh, uh, n], inter·spersal noun
• unin·ter·spersed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of intersperse¹

1560–70; < Latin interspersus (past participle of interspergere to strew here and there), equivalent to inter- inter- + -spersus, combining form of sparsus, past participle of spargere to scatter; disperse

Word History and Origins

Origin of intersperse¹

C16: from Latin interspargere, from inter- + spargere to sprinkle

Example Sentences

Taking in “Martha” is as soothing as thumbing through the glossy pages of Living, with its parade of touched-up artfully arranged photographs interspersed with archival footage and illustrations serving as tasteful alternatives to reenactments.

From Salon

Much of the lesson is taken up by long, hard-hitting rallies between the two of them, interspersed with Sell’s chides and words of encouragement.

From Los Angeles Times

We cross a vast countryside - scrub and grassland plains interspersed with views of lush farms – and pass a meandering river, craggy terrain and undulating hills.

From BBC

The tour footage is interspersed with archive material focusing on Sir Elton's popularity earlier in his career, particularly the 1970s.

From BBC

Rather than the operas following each other in sequence, the scenes are interspersed like a revolving door to convey them as interconnected facets of the modern existence.

From Salon

Related Words

• infuse
• pepper
• sprinkle