gap
GAP
/ɡæp/
A break or hole in an object; a difference, especially an undesirable one, between two views or situations.
In this context, it refers to the 'generation gap'—the lack of understanding between young and old.
The story behind the word. Originally an Old Norse word for a chasm or an opening in a wall. It wasn't until the 20th century that we started using it to describe the 'space' between the beliefs of different generations.
Word relationships
- hiatus: Hiatus is a break in time; gap can be a break in time, space, or understanding.
- bridge: A bridge connects what a gap separates.
Commonly confused with
- void: A void is a completely empty space; a gap is just a break between two things.
Collocations
- generation gap
- bridge the gap
- widening gap
Idioms & expressions
- bridge the gap
Example sentences
- "The generation gap has widened as technology changes the way we communicate." Sociology.
- "There is a significant wealth gap between the oldest and youngest members of society." Economics.
Memory hook
Mind the GAP (the space between the train and the platform). The space between us.
When not to use
Don't use it for a small physical crack; a gap is usually a significant space.
Fun facts
- The term 'generation gap' was popularized in the 1960s to describe the conflict between 'hippies' and their parents.
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