Elapse Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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elapse
[ɪˈlæps ]
Definition
time passing
To elapse means to pass or go by, especially in reference to time. It refers to the duration of time that has passed from a certain point to another. The term is often used in contexts related to time management or observations of time intervals.
Synonyms
expire, go by, pass.
Examples of usage
- Several hours elapsed before he returned.
- A year had elapsed since their last meeting.
- Minutes elapsed under the tense silence.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- In philosophy, the concept of time elapsing raises questions about how we experience and perceive time.
- Different cultures have unique ways of understanding the passage of time, from strict schedules to relaxed attitudes.
- Philosophers like Henri Bergson argued that time should be understood as a lived experience rather than a series of measurements.
Literature
- Authors often use the passage of time to create tension or develop characters, where elapsing time can symbolize growth or change.
- In poetry, the theme of time elapsing is prevalent, evoking emotions related to nostalgia or urgency.
- Classic works, like Charles Dickens' 'A Tale of Two Cities,' explore the effects of elapsed time on personal and political narratives.
Psychology
- Studies show that people's perception of time can vary depending on their activities; time feels like it elapses faster when engaged in enjoyable tasks.
- Memory plays a crucial role in how we perceive elapsed time; significant events can make time feel prolonged.
- The concept of 'time compression' suggests that as individuals become older, they may perceive time as shrinking due to the number of memories.
Science
- In physics, the passage of time is a crucial element in understanding the laws of motion and relativity.
- Experiments in quantum physics explore how time may not elapse uniformly, with implications for our understanding of reality.
- Biological processes, like aging, provide insights into how living beings perceive and experience elapsed time in their lifespan.
Origin of 'elapse'
Main points about word origin
- Originates from the Latin word 'elapsus,' which means 'to slip by.'
- It combines 'e-' (out of) and 'labi' (to slip), giving the sense of something slipping away from us.
- The term has been used in English since the 14th century.
The word 'elapse' comes from the Latin word 'elapsus', which is the past participle of 'elabi', meaning 'to slip away' or 'to glide away'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century, initially used in the context of time slipping away or passing. Over the centuries, its usage has expanded to denote the passing of time in both literary and colloquial contexts. The prefix 'e-' suggests a sense of motion or direction, while 'laps' relates to the idea of slippage, thereby symbolizing time that flows or moves away from a specified reference point.