interino

Interino is a term used in several Romance languages to designate something or someone that occupies a position or performs duties temporarily, until a permanent arrangement is made. As a noun it refers to the person who temporarily assumes responsibilities; as an adjective it describes the temporary nature of the position or status.

Etymology and usage conventions derive from Latin roots meaning “between” or “in the meantime,” reflecting the interim or provisional nature of the arrangement. The word is common in Spanish and Portuguese, and has cognates in other Romance languages, often with similar meaning.

In government and public administration, an interino is often appointed to fulfill the duties of a vacant post, such as a president, prime minister, minister, or other official, during vacancies, absences, or transitional periods. The designation can be formalized by an official appointment and may come with a defined duration or specified limitations.

Beyond politics, interino can describe interim roles in civil service, education, and business, including temporary appointments, interim contracts, or teaching assignments held temporarily. It can also apply to objects or documents used temporarily until a final version or permanent item is issued, though usage tends to favor people in official capacities for the noun form.

Equivalents in other languages include interim (English) and intérimaire (French); in Portuguese the term interino is used similarly. The distinction between interino and terms like provisional or temporary often centers on occupancy of a post rather than the nature of the task itself.