Interaction Meaning

UK /ɪnˈtɛrækʃən/
US /ˌɪntəˈrækʃən/
Word Definition
interaction meaning

Interaction Definition & Usage

noun

The action or process of two or more things acting on each other, typically in a reciprocal or collaborative way.

Examples

  • "There was a noticeable lack of interaction between the team members during the meeting."
  • "Her interaction with the children was always warm and encouraging."
  • "The interaction between the two chemical compounds resulted in a new substance."
  • "He enjoyed the social interaction at the party, chatting with old friends and meeting new people."
  • "The success of the project depends on the interaction between the design and engineering teams."
noun

The verbal or non-verbal exchange of information between individuals or groups.

Examples

  • "Good interaction in the classroom helps students feel more engaged in their learning."
  • "Her interaction with the customer was very professional and polite."
  • "The internet has revolutionized interaction, making it easier to connect with people across the globe."
  • "In a good relationship, both partners need to make an effort to ensure healthy interaction."
  • "The interaction between the characters in the play created a lot of tension and drama."
noun

The exchange of data or commands between a user and a system, often in the context of human-computer interaction (HCI).

Examples

  • "The software's interface is designed to make user interaction as intuitive as possible."
  • "They are studying how human interaction with artificial intelligence can improve performance."
  • "The interaction between the smartphone and its apps is seamless, making the user experience smoother."
  • "The game’s interaction with players is designed to adapt to different skill levels."
  • "User interaction with the website is tracked to improve the browsing experience."

Cultural Context

The term 'interaction' originates from the Latin 'interactio', meaning 'a doing or acting between'. Over time, it has come to be used in various contexts to refer to exchanges of any kind, whether between people, systems, or other entities. It is frequently used in social sciences, communication, and technology fields.

The Unexpected Interaction

Story

The Unexpected Interaction

On a rainy Friday evening, Lisa walked into the quiet coffee shop, looking for a moment of solitude after a hectic week. She ordered her usual latte and settled into a corner with a book. But as she opened the pages, she overheard a conversation between two young men at the table next to hers. They were discussing the latest developments in artificial intelligence, and it was fascinating. Lisa couldn’t help but listen, her curiosity piqued. Despite herself, she found herself glancing over at the group more often than she’d like. Eventually, one of them, noticing her interest, turned and asked, 'Do you know much about human-computer interaction?' Surprised, Lisa replied, 'Not really. I’m more interested in how people interact in real life, face-to-face.' The young man smiled, 'That’s an interesting point. You know, the idea of interaction doesn’t just apply to humans talking. It’s also about how humans interact with technology, like smartphones or AI systems. It’s all part of the same concept.' As the conversation shifted from technology to social interactions, Lisa felt the connection growing between them. She joined in, sharing her own experiences with online communication and how it’s changed the way people engage with each other. Over the next hour, the discussion naturally moved from tech to more personal topics, and Lisa realized how much she enjoyed the interaction. It wasn’t just about exchanging ideas or having a conversation. It was about the exchange of energy between people, how each person’s presence shaped the dynamic. As they left, one of the men said, 'Thanks for the great interaction.' Lisa smiled, realizing she had learned more than just about technology that day. She had experienced a genuine human interaction, something far more valuable.

The Unexpected Interaction