English words: in fits and starts to in pursuit

300 English words, part 22 of 77 of the words starting with I, A to Z. 4 have a page of their own.

English words in fits and starts to in pursuit

in fits and starts prepositional phrase: intermittently, jerkily
in flagrant delict adverb: Alternative form of in flagrante delicto.
in flagrante adverb: Ellipsis of in flagrante delicto.
in flagrante delicto adverb /ɪn fləˌɡɹæn.teɪ dɪˈlɪk.təʊ/: In the act of committing a misdeed.
in flagranti delicto adverb: Alternative form of in flagrante delicto.
in flames prepositional phrase: In a dramatically wrecked state.
in flight adjective, prepositional phrase: occurring, or provided for use during a flight
in floods prepositional phrase: Crying hard.
in flower prepositional phrase: flowering, blossoming, having flowers open.
in flying colors adverb: Synonym of with flying colors.
in flying colours prepositional phrase: UK standard spelling of in flying colors.
in-foal adjective: Of a mare or other female equine: pregnant.
in focus prepositional phrase: Sharp and clear with no fuzziness.
in-footed adjective: pigeon-toed; standing or walking with the toes turned inward
in for preposition: About to encounter or undergo; usually said of unwelcome things in prospect.
in for a dime, in for a dollar proverb /ɪn fɔɹ ə ˈdaɪm ɪn fɔɹ ə ˈdɒ.lɚ/: Synonym of in for a penny, in for a pound.
in for a penny phrase: Ellipsis of in for a penny, in for a pound.
in for a penny, in for a pound proverb /ɪn fəɹə ˈpɛ.ni ɪn fəɹə paʊnd/: Expressing that, having begun something (that involves significant risk or effort), one intends to see it to completion rather than stopping short.
in for an inch, in for a mile proverb: Given that one is partly involved in or committed to a project, action, position, etc., there is no reason to refrain from becoming fully involved or fully...
in for it adjective: Irrevocably committed to something.
in for the kill adjective: Intending to kill or destroy someone or something.
in force prepositional phrase: With a substantial number of men capable of exerting force or of making a show of force.
in form prepositional phrase: As a matter of form; formally.
in forma pauperis noun: A request to have a court waive filing fees in a civil action because the plaintiff is indigent.
in foro conscientiæ adverb: Alternative spelling of in foro conscientiae.
in foro conscientiae adverb: morally, but not necessarily legally.
in freefall prepositional phrase: In a motion solely influenced by gravity without air resistance.
in from the cold adverb: Back to one's home or to a position of acceptance, from having been literally or figuratively in enemy territory. (See come in from the cold.)
in front prepositional phrase: In the position ahead. Often with of.
in front of preposition: At or near the front part of (something).
in front of one's nose prepositional phrase: Plain; clearly apparent; obvious.
in fruit phrase: Bearing fruit; (heraldry) fructed, fruited (bearing fruit or acorns).
in full prepositional phrase: Fully; to the whole extent.
in full aspect prepositional phrase: Affronté or facing forward.
in full chase adjective: Courant, represented as running.
in full course adjective: Courant, represented as running.
in full cry prepositional phrase: Of a pack of hunting dogs: baying together while in active pursuit of quarry.
in full effect prepositional phrase: Synonym of in full force.
in full feather prepositional phrase: In full dress or in one's best clothes.
in full fig prepositional phrase: Smartly or fancily dressed, especially in the uniform of a particular profession (soldier, royal servant, actor, etc).
in full flow prepositional phrase: rapidly, with no sign of stopping
in full force prepositional phrase: Totally, fully, completely.
in full form prepositional phrase: Performed with all the prescribed participants, steps, symbols, and traditions, although other more abbreviated or modified options might be possible.
in full gear prepositional phrase: Proceeding fully, quickly, or completely; thoroughly begun and in progress.
in full swing prepositional phrase: Proceeding fully, quickly, or completely; thoroughly begun and in progress.
in full view prepositional phrase: Clearly visible.
in funds adjective /ɪn ˈfʌndz/: Having enough money to spend.
in future prepositional phrase: From now on.
in-game adjective /ˈɪŋɡeɪm/: Within the virtual world or player experience of a video game.
in-game currency noun: Synonym of virtual currency.
in gear prepositional phrase: Having gears correctly aligned so that movement is possible.
in general prepositional phrase: In the general case; without further assumption; without qualification; in all respects.
in glass prepositional phrase: Belonging to a management level, as in a contemporary office hierarchy.
in glory phrase: Synonym of in splendor.
in goal noun, prepositional phrase: As a goalkeeper.
in God's name adverb: Used as an intensifier.
in good bread prepositional phrase: In a fortunate or favorable position.
in good conscience prepositional phrase: Alternative form of in conscience.
in good hands prepositional phrase: Under the guidance of a capable being.
in good odor adjective: liked, in someone's good books.
in good odour adjective: Alternative form of in good odor.
in good part prepositional phrase: Favourably, without offence. (Chiefly with take.)
in good repair prepositional phrase: in a fine condition or state
in good season prepositional phrase: Early enough; in a timely manner.
in good sorts adjective /ɪn ˌɡʊd ˈsɔːts/: Healthy, functional; in good condition.
in good stead prepositional phrase: In a positive state or position.
in good time prepositional phrase: At a suitable time that is upcoming.
in good voice prepositional phrase: Able to sing well
in green prepositional phrase: Of an object, environmentally friendly or sustainable.
in gross prepositional phrase: Roughly; approximately; generally; without going into details.
in-group noun, verb: Alternative form of ingroup.
in haec verba adverb: In these exact words; verbatim.
in half prepositional phrase: Into two halves.
in hand prepositional phrase: In physical possession; at one's disposal.
in harness prepositional phrase: Of horses, side by side, fastened together.
in haste prepositional phrase: In a hurry, hastily, quickly.
in health adjective: healthy
in heat prepositional phrase: In oestrus; receptive to mating.
in heaven's name prepositional phrase: An intensifier, chiefly used with questions.
in hell's name adverb: Synonym of in God's name.
in hiding prepositional phrase: Remaining hidden (typically of a person).
in high dudgeon adjective, prepositional phrase: Indignant and enraged.
in high feather prepositional phrase: In high spirits; cheerful.
in high gear prepositional phrase: Serious and intense.
in hindsight phrase: Denoting coming to an understanding of the full nature of an event after it has already occurred.
in hock prepositional phrase: Having been pawned.
in-home adjective: Taking place in or purposed for the domicile.
in honor of preposition: Alternative spelling of in honour of.
in honour of preposition: Celebrating or showing admiration for.
in hospital adjective, prepositional phrase: In a hospital as a patient.
in hot pursuit prepositional phrase: Pursuing someone in order to apprehend them, especially across a border.
in house adjective, adverb: Belonging to or part of an organization; internal.
in hysterics prepositional phrase: laughing or celebrating very hard and unable to stop.
in idea adverb: In thought or imagination as opposed to in reality; as an abstract concept; conceptually.
in ill part prepositional phrase: Synonym of in bad part.
in increment phrase: Waxing.
in infinitum adverb: Alternative form of ad infinitum.
in irons prepositional phrase: The "trapped" condition a sailing ship finds itself in when the bow of the ship is headed into the wind and the ship has stalled and is unable to maneuver.
in isolation prepositional phrase: On its own; unaccompanied by, or without reference to, anything else.
in it prepositional phrase: In trouble.
in its entirety adverb: completely
in its totality prepositional phrase: As a whole.
in itself prepositional phrase: Inherently; viewed independently, without reference to anything else.
in jail prepositional phrase: In a jail, as a prisoner.
in jest prepositional phrase /ˈɪn ˌd͡ʒɛst/: As a joke.
in jig time prepositional phrase: Rapidly; in a very short amount of time.
in-joke noun /ˈɪnˌd͡ʒəʊk/: Synonym of inside joke (“a joke that is understood or meant to be understood only by certain people who are aware of the details”).
in-jokey adjective: Characteristic of an in-joke.
in-joky adjective: Rare spelling of in-jokey.
in keeping with preposition: in accordance with
in key prepositional phrase: In harmony, accord, or sympathy (with); congruent.
in kid prepositional phrase: Of a goat, pregnant.
in kind adjective, adverb, prepositional phrase: In the form of goods and services rather than money.
in knots prepositional phrase: In a state of disagreement or confusion; at a standstill; in a deadlock.
in labour prepositional phrase: in the process of giving birth
in lamb adjective, prepositional phrase: Of a ewe: pregnant.
in lame man's terms prepositional phrase: Eggcorn of in layman's terms.
in lap noun: In qualifying, the (non-competitive) lap after one or more flying laps on which one enters the pit lane.
-in-law noun, suffix /ˈɪn.lɔː/: A relative by marriage (or through affinity).
in-law suite noun: A division of a housing unit for use by relatives or friends of the primary residents, who would then usually share an entrance, and some shared space; but...
in-law unit noun: Synonym of mother-in-law apartment.
in-lawhood noun: The state or condition of being an in-law.
in-lawry noun: The condition of being an in-law.
in layman's terms prepositional phrase: Phrased simply, without jargon; (of English-language speech or writing) phrased in plain English.
in laymen's terms prepositional phrase: Alternative form of in layman's terms.
in layperson's terms prepositional phrase: Synonym of in layman's terms.
in laywoman's terms prepositional phrase: Phrased simply (for the sake of average women).
in league prepositional phrase: collaborating (with)
in league with preposition: part of a secret conspiracy with (someone or a group).
in leash prepositional phrase: Restrained with a leash.
in length prepositional phrase: at length
in lesbians prepositional phrase: In love, or feeling affection or lust, especially if sapphic.
in less than no time prepositional phrase: Very quickly; very soon.
in lieu adverb /ɪn.l(j)uː/: Instead; in place.
in-lieu fee noun: A payment made by developers or project proponents to a government agency or non-profit organization instead of fulfilling regulatory requirements directly...
in lieu of preposition /ɪn ljuː əv/: Instead of; in place of.
in light of preposition: Given, considering.
in like a lion, out like a lamb proverb: Synonym of March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.
in like Flynn adjective: Having achieved a goal or gained access as desired.
in like wise prepositional phrase: In the same way.
in limine adjective, adverb /ˌɪn ˈlɪmɪneɪ/: At the beginning, as a preliminary matter; specifically, before a particular procedure or proceeding takes place.
in line adjective, adverb /ɪnˈlaɪ̯n/: Consisting of parts arranged in a single line.
in-line engine noun: An engine that has all cylinders in one line or row.
in-line expansion noun: The replacement by a compiler of a function call with a copy of the entire function body, sometimes used as an optimization.
in-line skate noun: A rollerblade: a roller skate with all wheels aligned in a single row along the sole for greater speed and maneuverability.
in-line skater noun: A skater who uses in-line skates.
in-line skating noun: Skating using in-line skates.
in line with prepositional phrase: in agreement or accordance with
in liquor prepositional phrase: intoxicated with alcohol
in little prepositional phrase: On a small scale.
in living color prepositional phrase: With the full vigor of life.
in living memory prepositional phrase: In recent history, in recorded history amongst the lifespan of extant people; events or situations which can be remembered by people that are still alive.
in loco prepositional phrase: In the right, proper or natural place.
in loco parentis adverb /ɪn ˌləʊkəʊ pəˈɹɛntɪs/: Assuming the place or position of a parent.
in loco parentum adverb: Assuming the role of a parent.
in love prepositional phrase: Enamored (of a person, etc.)
in love with preposition: See in love
in malam partem prepositional phrase: in an unfavorable or evil manner
in mass adverb: Eggcorn of en masse.
in mean time prepositional phrase: Alternative form of in meantime.
in medias res adjective, adverb, noun /ɪn ˌmiːdiəs ˈɹeɪz/: In the middle of a storyline.
in memoriam adverb, noun /ɪn məˈmɔɹ.i.əm/: In memory (of); as a memorial.
in-memory adjective: That resides in memory.
in memory of preposition: Honoring and reminding people of someone who has died, or (less commonly, or humorously) of something that is no longer in existence.
in midstream prepositional phrase: In the middle of a running body of water.
in mind prepositional phrase: Present in one's thoughts.
in Minecraft prepositional phrase /ɪn ˈmaɪnkɹɑːft/: Used to supposedly keep oneself from becoming legally liable for making a certain statement that could be perceived as a threat, or that may otherwise pose...
in miniature prepositional phrase: At a miniature size.
in mitius adverb: Having a retroactive (ex post facto) effect that softens or mitigates a penalty.
in moderation prepositional phrase: In moderate quantities or amount.
in mora prepositional phrase: In default.
in motion prepositional phrase: Moving; having movement; on the move; not stationary.
in my honest opinion prepositional phrase: Used to introduce or qualify a statement, as expressing one's own view, not one backed by external authority or to be accepted without question
in my humble opinion prepositional phrase: Used to introduce or qualify a statement, as expressing one's own view, not one backed by external authority or to be accepted without question
in my opinion prepositional phrase: according to me
in name prepositional phrase: Nominally, not essentially.
in nappies prepositional phrase: Synonym of in diapers.
in neat prepositional phrase: Having the final, finished form.
in need prepositional phrase: Lacking basic necessities such as food and shelter; poor; indigent.
in no small measure adverb: To a very great extent.
in no small part adverb: Synonym of in no small measure.
in no time prepositional phrase: Very soon.
in no uncertain terms prepositional phrase: Definitely, clearly; bluntly, forthrightly; explicitly, categorically, unequivocally.
in no way prepositional phrase: In no sense.
in no way, shape or form prepositional phrase: Not in any way at all; not at all, nohow.
in nothing flat prepositional phrase: A very short (but unspecified) amount of time; no time at all.
in nubibus prepositional phrase: In a state of suspension; nebulous and unfulfilled.
in-off adverb, noun: Of the cue ball: (going) into a pocket, after cannoning another ball.
in office prepositional phrase: Holding a formal position of employment or appointment.
in-office imaging noun: The use of medical diagnostic devices in the office of a treating physician, not relying on an outside service.
in on preposition: Being or made privy to, a participant in, involved in, included in, or informed of (usually something private or secret, especially a plan or plot).
in one prepositional phrase: In a single attempt.
in one bite prepositional phrase: In an unbroken or undivided piece or manner.
in one foul swoop prepositional phrase: (Achieved or completed) with a single action; in a single stroke.
in one go adverb: In a single attempt with no breaks.
in one piece prepositional phrase: Uninjured, unhurt, undamaged.
in one's altitudes prepositional phrase: drunk.
in one's back pocket prepositional phrase: Ready if needed, in reserve, prepared, available for use whenever it might be advantageous.
in one's backyard prepositional phrase: Local to the place where one lives or habitually spends time; (by extension) one's responsibility.
in one's bare skin prepositional phrase: In a state of nudity.
in one's bones prepositional phrase: (of a feeling, belief, etc.) Derived from instinct, intuition, or an ingrained inclination.
in one's book prepositional phrase: In one's opinion.
in one's born days prepositional phrase: Alternative form of in all one's born days.
in one's corner prepositional phrase: Alternative form of in someone's corner.
in one's cups adjective: Drunk; in the act of consuming alcohol liberally.
in one's dreams prepositional phrase: Used to express the speaker's belief that a preceding statement expressed a desired rather than an actual state of affairs.
in one's element prepositional phrase: In a situation which is entirely suitable, familiar, or enjoyable.
in one's feelings prepositional phrase: Overreacting or having a strong emotional reaction; worked up.
in one's fingers prepositional phrase: Understaning or executing a skill easily or naturally.
in one's head prepositional phrase: Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see in, one's, head.
in one's hip pocket prepositional phrase: Synonym of in one's back pocket.
in one's infinite wisdom prepositional phrase: By relying too much on personal judgement or preference, without realizing the limitations of one's reasoning.
in one's life adjective: Present and involved in the life of a person.
in one's midst prepositional phrase: In the middle of a group; among a group.
in one's opinion prepositional phrase: According to one's subjectively formed thoughts, not necessarily having any formal basis in fact.
in one's own backyard prepositional phrase: Alternative form of in one's backyard
in one's own good time prepositional phrase: At one's own pace; at a pace unaffected by external influence; unhurriedly.
in one's own hands prepositional phrase: Under one's control; Such that any outcome depends on one's own actions.
in one's own little way adverb: In an individual manner that creates an effect from a small action.
in one's own little world prepositional phrase: Alternative form of in one's own world.
in one's own right prepositional phrase: As a consequence of one's own skill, qualification or status, rather than that of another.
in one's own time adverb: Taking as much time as one requires; when one is ready.
in one's own world prepositional phrase: Synonym of in a world of one's own.
in one's right mind prepositional phrase: Thinking clearly, sensibly, and reasonably.
in one's sight adverb: According to one's point of view, or opinion
in one's sights prepositional phrase: Being seen or targeted, often through the sights of a weapon.
in one's sleeve prepositional phrase: Synonym of up one's sleeve.
in one's stead prepositional phrase /ɪn wʌns ˈstɛd/: As a successor to someone or something.
in one's teens prepositional phrase: At an age of a teenager.
in one's teeth prepositional phrase: Of the wind, blowing straight from the direction, or desired direction, of travel.
in one's tracks prepositional phrase: Suddenly; abruptly, right where one stands.
in one's wildest dreams prepositional phrase: Much better than one could ever expect.
in one sitting prepositional phrase: In a single session; finishing a task in the same period when one sets out to do so.
in one stroke prepositional phrase: Alternative form of at one stroke.
in one voice prepositional phrase: Alternative form of with one voice.
in open court prepositional phrase: During a public court session.
in open store prepositional phrase: In uncovered storage when out of use, and thus in a place open to the elements.
in operation prepositional phrase: Activated; functional; functioning; operating; working.
in order adjective, adverb: In a sequence.
in order for phrase: To indicate a possible consequence of an event or action.
in order that conjunction: So that; used to indicate purpose
in order to conjunction: before an infinitive: As a means of achieving the specified end; to.
in ordinary prepositional phrase: In an official capacity (chiefly as a post-modifier in official titles).
in other news prepositional phrase: Used by newsreaders to introduce an unrelated piece of news.
in other words prepositional phrase: Stated or interpreted another way; phrased differently Used to introduce an explanation, simplification, or clarification.
in-out noun: sexual intercourse
in pairs prepositional phrase: In groups of two individuals or items.
in pampers prepositional phrase: Synonym of in diapers (“in the very early stages of development”).
in parallel prepositional phrase: At the same time; together, concurrently, cotemporally.
in pari materia adverb: Dealing with the same matter or subject.
in part prepositional phrase: To an extent; not fully.
in partibus infidelium adjective: Of a bishop or see: merely titular, without regular jurisdiction, and serving to assist some other bishop or to act as delegates of the pope where no...
in particular prepositional phrase: Especially, individually or specifically.
in passing prepositional phrase: Incidentally; as a brief diversion from another topic etc.
in-patient noun: Alternative spelling of inpatient.
in peace prepositional phrase: With someone's favour or blessing.
in perpetuity prepositional phrase: For an indefinitely long time.
in person adjective, prepositional phrase: With one's own body and physical presence; not through media, a representative, or indirectly.
in personam adjective: In a lawsuit against a specific individual, a summons and complaint to give the court jurisdiction that is served to a person to try a case. In personam...
in perspective prepositional phrase: In correct proportion relative to other objects, contexts, etc.
in petto adjective, adverb: Secret, private.
in phase prepositional phrase: Mutually synchronized
in piety phrase: Vulning.
in pig prepositional phrase: Pregnant; also (humorous) used of a woman.
in place adjective, adverb: In an original position.
in place of preposition: instead of
in places prepositional phrase: In some places and not everywhere; of a patchy nature.
in plain sight prepositional phrase: Very easy to see or notice, especially when supposed to be hidden.
in plain view prepositional phrase: Easily seen, very visible.
in-plane switching noun: A type of liquid crystal display (LCD) layered parallel between two glass pieces that is activated by an electric current to produce an image.
in play prepositional phrase: As a joke.
in plenty prepositional phrase: in abundance; aplenty; plentiful
in pocket prepositional phrase: In possession of money.
in point prepositional phrase: Appropriate, relevant, pertinent.
in point of preposition: with regard to; concerning
in point of fact prepositional phrase: Actually.
in poor taste prepositional phrase: Synonym of in bad taste.
in posse adjective, adverb /ɪnˈpɑsi/: In possibility, having a potential to exist, in potential but not in actuality, (contradistinguished by in esse)
in potentia adverb, phrase /ˌɪn pɒˈtɛnʃɑː/: Potentially; in posse but not in esse.
in power prepositional phrase: Currently ruling; being the present controlling authority, as of a government or country.
in practice prepositional phrase: Really, in effect; not just hypothetically.
in prejudice of preposition: To the detriment or injury of someone or something.
in present prepositional phrase: At once, without delay.
in pride phrase: With its tail feathers spread.
in prime twig prepositional phrase: In good order and high spirits.
in principle prepositional phrase: With regard to the fundamentals, but not to the particulars.
in print prepositional phrase: Written down on paper, etc.
in prison prepositional phrase: Imprisoned; in a prison as a convict.
in private prepositional phrase: Privately, in an area where no one else can see or hear.
in-process adjective: Of an activity or operation that is moving, ongoing, or progressing.
in-processing noun: The onboarding of new recruits.
in profile prepositional phrase: Seen from the side.
in progress prepositional phrase: Currently taking place.
in proper prepositional phrase: Individually; privately.
in propria persona adverb: By the person themselves; often used when a defendant is representing themselves in court without an attorney.
in protest prepositional phrase: as to show disagreement, opposition or disapproval.
in public prepositional phrase: In view of other people, who may be strangers.
in pup prepositional phrase: pregnant with puppies
in puris naturalibus adverb: In a purely natural state; naked.
in pursuit prepositional phrase: pursuing or chasing (someone or something)

Source: English Wiktionary, dump of September 2, 2026 (CC BY-SA 4.0): each word's first meaning. A word with a page of its own links to it; for the rest, this line is PlainSpell's entry. Total under I: 23,084 words, in 77 parts.