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Gap: meaning, definitions and examples

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gap

 

[ɡæp ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in education

A period of time where there is a break in learning or teaching, often used for students to work independently or catch up on missed work.

Synonyms

break, interval, pause.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gap

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
interval

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
break

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
pause

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

Examples of usage

  • During the gap between classes, students have the opportunity to study in the library.
  • The teacher gave the students a gap to complete their assignments.
Context #2 | Noun

in a physical space

An opening or space between two objects or points.

Synonyms

hole, opening, space.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gap

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.
space

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.
opening

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.
hole

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.

Examples of usage

  • There was a gap in the fence where the dog escaped.
  • She squeezed through the narrow gap in the rocks.
Context #3 | Verb

in trading or finance

To create a difference between two prices, rates, or values.

Synonyms

differ, diverge, vary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
gap

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.
differ

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.
vary

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.
diverge

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.

Examples of usage

  • The company aims to gap its prices competitively in the market.
  • The stock market gapped overnight due to the breaking news.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term comes from Old Norse 'gapa', meaning to open or yawning, which connects with the idea of something that is open or missing.
  • In English, it first appeared in writings around the 14th century, referring to both physical spaces and abstract ideas.
  • The word has evolved to describe various contexts, including social gaps and gaps in knowledge.

Psychology

  • Cognitive gaps refer to the spaces in our knowledge or understanding, often leading to curiosity and learning.
  • Children naturally fill confidence gaps through exploration and play, which aids in their development.
  • In group dynamics, a gap in communication can lead to misunderstandings, emphasizing the importance of clear dialogue.

Technology

  • In software development, a gap often refers to missing features or functionality that users expect.
  • Data gaps in research can affect accuracy, prompting scientists to develop better methods for data collection.
  • The digital divide represents a gap between those who have access to technology and those who do not, impacting education and opportunities.

Pop Culture

  • The term ‘generation gap’ became popular in the 1960s, highlighting differences in values and attitudes between young and older generations.
  • In the music world, 'gaps' in songs can create dramatic pauses that enhance emotional impact, often used by artists for artistic effect.
  • Movies like 'The Gap' explore themes of disconnection and bridging differences, resonating with audiences seeking relatable stories.

Education

  • Educational gaps can refer to disparities in achievement among different groups, often highlighting social inequalities.
  • Bridging the gap is a common phrase in teaching, emphasizing the need for tailored methods to meet diverse learning needs.
  • Remedial programs in schools often aim to close gaps in knowledge and skills for students who need extra help.

Translations

Translations of the word "gap" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lacuna

🇮🇳 अंतर

🇩🇪 Lücke

🇮🇩 celah

🇺🇦 розрив

🇵🇱 luka

🇯🇵 隙間 (すきま)

🇫🇷 écart

🇪🇸 brecha

🇹🇷 boşluk

🇰🇷 틈

🇸🇦 فجوة

🇨🇿 mezera

🇸🇰 medzera

🇨🇳 差距 (chājù)

🇸🇮 vrzel

🇮🇸 bil

🇰🇿 аралық

🇬🇪 ნაპრალი

🇦🇿 boşluq

🇲🇽 brecha

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,188, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.