Gap: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a space or difference between two objects, people, or events.

• There is a small gap between the wall and the door
• The gap between the rich and the poor is widening

Used to describe a period of time between two events, often in formal or scheduled contexts.

• The interval between classes is 15 minutes
• The performance was 2 hours with a 20-minute interval

Used when referring to a short rest from an activity or a temporary halt in an ongoing process. Can also mean something being damaged.

• Let's take a 10-minute break
• She needs a break from work
• She accidentally made a break in the delicate vase

Used when referring to a temporary stop in an action or speech, typically shorter than a break.

• He paused for a moment before answering
• There was an awkward pause in the conversation

Use when talking about a missing piece or a break in a continuous structure, often metaphorically for lack of information or understanding.

• There is a gap in the data that needs to be filled.
• Mind the gap between the train and the platform.

Use when talking about a general area, either physical or abstract, which is available or can be used.

• There is not enough space in the room for a large table.
• I need some space to think.

Use when referring to an entrance, a start of a process, or a chance, often positive.

• The opening of the new store is tomorrow.
• She saw an opening in her schedule for a quick meeting.

Use when referring to an actual physical void or an opening, often implies something unwanted or problematic.

• There's a hole in the wall that needs fixing.
• He fell into a hole while hiking.

Use this word when talking about a space or separation between two things, often physical objects or differences in knowledge, time, or opinions.

• There is a gap between the two buildings.
• The generation gap often causes miscommunication.
• We need to close the gap in this report.

This word is best used when you want to highlight a disagreement between people or a variation between things.

• The twins look alike, but their personalities differ significantly.
• Their opinions on the project differ completely.

This word is suitable for describing differences or changes in elements or conditions, indicating that something is not consistent and can change under different circumstances.

• The results of the experiment may vary each time.
• The levels of sweetness can vary in different batches of the fruit.

Use 'diverge' to describe the process of two or more things moving away from a common point, often used in discussions about ideas, paths, or processes.

• The two roads diverge in the forest.
• Our strategies for the project began to diverge.