interval
An interval is a period of time between two events or actions. It can also describe the space between two objects or musical notes.
Examples
3 of 5We had a short interval for a snack during the long movie.
We had a short interval for a snack during the long movie.
The experiment was conducted at regular intervals of ten minutes.
The experiment was conducted at regular intervals of ten minutes.
Let's grab a coffee during the interval of the play.
Let's grab a coffee during the interval of the play.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'val' in interval as a 'valley' between two hills (events).
Quick Quiz
The buses to the city center run at 20-minute ___.
Correct!
The correct answer is: intervals
Examples
We had a short interval for a snack during the long movie.
everydayWe had a short interval for a snack during the long movie.
The experiment was conducted at regular intervals of ten minutes.
formalThe experiment was conducted at regular intervals of ten minutes.
Let's grab a coffee during the interval of the play.
informalLet's grab a coffee during the interval of the play.
The researchers measured the time interval between the two reactions.
academicThe researchers measured the time interval between the two reactions.
There will be a brief interval between the morning and afternoon presentations.
businessThere will be a brief interval between the morning and afternoon presentations.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
at intervals
at intervals
interval training
interval training
at regular intervals
at regular intervals
Often Confused With
A period is a length of time something lasts, while an interval is the gap between two specific points.
Intermission is specifically for breaks in performances; interval is more general for time or space.
Usage Notes
Use 'interval' when you want to emphasize the gap or the space between two things happening.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'period' when they specifically mean the gap between two events; use 'interval' for the gap.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'val' in interval as a 'valley' between two hills (events).
Word Origin
From the Latin 'intervallum', which originally meant the space between two palisades or walls.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In British English, 'the interval' is the standard term for a break in a theater play, whereas Americans usually say 'intermission'.
Quick Quiz
The buses to the city center run at 20-minute ___.
Correct!
The correct answer is: intervals
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
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day before yesterday
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