interpolate
/ɪnˈtɜː.pəˌleɪt/
interpolate means to introduce (something) between other things; especially to insert (possibly spurious) words into a text.
interpolate is pronounced /ɪnˈtɜː.pəˌleɪt/.
Why “interpolate” is a great word
To insert new material, especially words or estimated values, between existing parts of a text or series. From Latin interpolātus, past participle of interpolāre ("to refurbish, alter, falsify"), from inter- ("between") + -polāre, related to polīre ("to polish"), first recorded in English 1605–15. Unlike extrapolate, which projects outward into unknown territory, or append, which merely extends at the boundary, to interpolate is an act of infiltration within established confines. It is the forger's brushstroke between two authentic signatures, the statistician's calculated point plotted between known data, or the editor's quiet insertion of a clarifying clause—a creative trespass that asserts the gap between things is itself a place where meaning can be made.
Etymology
From Latin interpolātus, perfect passive participle of interpolō, see -ate (verb-forming suffix). Compare French interpoler.
verb
- To introduce (something) between other things; especially to insert (possibly spurious) words into a text.e.g.“in verse 74, the second line is clearly interpolated, probably by some unknown medieval scribe”
- To estimate the value of a function between two tabulated points.
- During the course of processing some data, and in response to a directive in that data, to fetch data from a different source and process it in-line along with the original data.e.g.“A macro is invoked in the same way as a request; a control line beginning .xx will interpolate the contents of macro xx.”
Words closest in meaning
By meaning, not spelling — each word's AI semantic fingerprint, nearest first.
- intersperse 85% match — To mix two things irregularly, placing things of one kind among things of other. vs interpolate →
- interlineation 83% match — A notation made between the lines, especially in a handwritten document; interlining. vs interpolate →
- intercalary 83% match — Describing a time period inserted between others; leap, (as in leap day, leap month, or leap year) vs interpolate →
- interstitial 82% match — Of, relating to, or situated in an interstice. vs interpolate →
- interfuse 82% match — To fuse or blend together vs interpolate →
- adulteration 81% match — The process of adulterating. vs interpolate →
- apocryphal 81% match — Of, or pertaining to, the Apocrypha. vs interpolate →
- interposition 81% match — The act of interposing, or the state of being interposed; a being, placing, or coming between; mediation. vs interpolate →