Reading Theme:
Interval: Definition, Usage & Key Differences (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：break (interval)
interval
/ˈɪntərvl/ (AmE), /ˈɪntəvl/ (BrE)
n.
A break or a pause between two activities, events, or parts of a show.
break
➕
/breɪk/
n.
A period of time between two events, actions, or parts of a performance, often used for a pause or rest.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'intervallum' meaning 'space between ramparts, distance' (inter- 'between' + vallum 'wall').
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine an INTERruption in your usual VALues; an INTERVAL is a break in between.
📖 Example
After a short interval for refreshments, the conference speakers resumed their presentations.
Following a brief break for snacks, the conference presenters continued with their talks.
🔗 Collocations
at regular intervals – happening repeatedly with equal amounts of time or space in between
time interval – a specific measured period between two points in time
a brief interval – a very short pause or break
🔄 Synonyms
intermission (n.) – a pause or break, especially between acts of a play or parts of a performance
pause (n.) – a temporary stop in action or speech
recess (n.) – a period of time when proceedings, such as in a parliament or court, are suspended
🚫 Antonyms
continuation (n.) – the action of carrying something on over time without a break
🌱 Derivatives
intervallic (adj.) – relating to or constituting an interval, especially in music
📖 Cultural Story
The word originates from Latin 'intervallum,' literally meaning 'space between walls or ramparts.' It entered Middle English via Old French. In modern culture, it's a key term in music theory (the distance between two pitches) and mathematics (a set of numbers between two endpoints).
Meaning 2：gap (interval)
interval
/ˈɪntərvl/ (AmE), /ˈɪntəvl/ (BrE)
n.
The space or gap between two objects, points, or places.
gap
➕
/ɡæp/
n.
A physical space or distance separating two objects, points, or places.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
For safety, the fence posts need to be installed at equal intervals of two meters.
To ensure safety, the posts for the fence must be placed with a consistent two-meter gap between each one.
🔗 Collocations
at intervals of – with spaces or periods of a specified length between
spatial interval – the measurable distance or gap between points in space
close intervals – with very little space separating things
🔄 Synonyms
gap (n.) – a break or hole in an object or between two objects
distance (n.) – the amount of space between two things or points
separation (n.) – the act or state of moving or being placed apart
🚫 Antonyms
contact (n.) – the state of touching or being in direct physical proximity
Wordbook
Your data is saved in this browser