Elaps Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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elaps
[ɪˈlæps ]
Definition
time passing
To elapse means to pass or go by, usually in reference to time. When time elapses, it continues to move forward without interruption. This term often describes a duration that has expired.
Synonyms
expire, go by, pass, transpire.
Examples of usage
- Several hours elapsed before he returned.
- As the days elapse, we learn more about the situation.
- It has been a week since the event elapsed.
Translations
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Origin of 'elaps'
The word 'elapse' originates from the Latin word 'elapsus,' which is the past participle of 'elabī,' meaning 'to slip away' or 'to glide away.' This Latin term is formed by the prefix 'e-' indicating 'out' and 'labi' meaning 'to slip.' The usage of 'elapse' in English dates back to the early 19th century, where it was primarily associated with the passing of time. Over the years, it has maintained its connotation of time flowing seamlessly without the emphasis on physical movement. In contemporary usage, 'elapse' often finds its way into discussions concerning deadlines, durations, and time management, illustrating the inevitability of time's passage.