Inter and Intra have the same sound and seems to be similar but there is a difference between the meaning and use of these two prefixes. Inter is a prefix which means ‘among’ or ‘between’. Intra means ‘within’. Inter is used for between two similar things or for among more than two similar things. Intra is used for within something.
What is Inter?
Inter is a prefix which means ‘among’ or ‘between’. Inter- prefix is used for the words having meaning “between two groups/ states/ countries/ nations”. It is used for between two similar things or for among more than two similar things. If we talk about a highway that is connecting with different countries, we would say it interstates highway. If we say ‘Inter-family discussions’, it means the discussion of one family with another family. Airplane service within a country among its cities is called Interservice.
What is Intra?
Intra is a prefix which means ‘within’. It is used for within something. Intra- prefix is used for the words having the meaning of “within a single group” If we talk about a highway that is in a country, we would say it an intrastate highway. If we say ‘Intra-family discussions’, it means the discussions within your own family members. Airplane service from one country to another country is called Intra service.
Key Differences between Inter and Intra
- Inter prefix is used for ‘among’ or ‘between’ things while Intra prefix is used for ‘within’ or ‘inside’ the thing.
- Airplane service from one country to another country is called Intra service while the airplane service within a country among its cities is called Interservice.
- An interstate highway is one that goes among states or countries, while an intrastate highway is one that exists only within a single state or country.
- Intra- prefix is used for the words having the meaning of “within a single group” while the Inter- prefix is used for the words having meaning “between two groups / states / countries/ nations”.