intermural vs intramural vs extramural : Common Errors in English

About intermural vs intramural vs extramural

“Intramural” means literally “within the walls” and refers to activities that take place entirely within an institution. When at Macbeth State University the Glamis Hall soccer team plays against the one from Dunsinane Hall, that’s an intramural game. But when MSU’s Fighting Scots travel to go up against Cawdor U. in the Porter’s Bowl, the game is “extramural” (“outside the walls”)—though the perfectly correct “intercollegiate” is more often used instead). “Intermural,” a rare word that means “between the walls,”is constantly both said and written when “intramural” is meant.

intermural Meaning(s)

  • (s) between two or more institutions etc

intramural Meaning(s)

  • (a) carried on within the bounds of an institution or community

extramural Meaning(s)

  • (a) carried on outside the bounds of an institution or community
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