interval
IN-ter-vuhl
/ˈɪntəvəl/
An intervening time or space.
A neutral term for the distance (in time or space) between two points.
The story behind the word. Originally a military term referring to the space between the 'ramparts' (walls) of a camp. It literally meant the space between the walls.
Word relationships
- gap: 'Gap' is more about the empty space; 'interval' is the measurement of that space.
Commonly confused with
- intermission: In British English, 'interval' is often used where Americans use 'intermission' for theater breaks.
Collocations
- regular intervals
- short interval
- at intervals
Example sentences
- "The buses run at ten-minute intervals during the morning rush hour." Time between events.
- "The lamp posts were placed at regular intervals along the driveway." Physical distance.
Memory hook
Think of 'inter' (between) and 'val' (like a valley between two mountains). The space between.
When not to use
Not for a chaotic break; use 'disruption'.
Fun facts
- In music, an interval is the difference in pitch between two sounds.
Related words
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