Intermittent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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intermittent
[ˌɪntərˈmɪtənt ]
Definitions
weather
occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady.
Synonyms
irregular, occasional, sporadic.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| intermittent |
Used to describe something that starts and stops at irregular intervals, often repeatedly. Typically, it is associated with events or processes that can be expected to happen from time to time but not continuously.
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| irregular |
Describes something that does not follow a steady pattern or schedule. This term can cover a vast range of contexts, from physical shapes to schedules and occurrences.
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| sporadic |
Refers to something that happens at irregular intervals, but less frequently and more randomly than 'intermittent.' It often implies lack of predictability and few occurrences.
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| occasional |
Used to describe something that happens from time to time, but not often or regularly. It suggests an element of rarity and unpredictability.
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Examples of usage
- The forecast is for intermittent rain showers throughout the day.
- She experienced intermittent bouts of dizziness.
technology
stopping and starting at irregular intervals.
Synonyms
discontinuous, erratic, sporadic.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| intermittent |
This word is best used when something happens at irregular intervals but not consistently. It suggests a recurring pattern but with breaks in between.
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| sporadic |
This word fits well when something happens at random or irregular intervals, without any predictable pattern.
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| erratic |
This is used to describe something unpredictable and inconsistent. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting unreliability.
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| discontinuous |
Use this when something lacks continuity or has breaks in a sequence. It often refers to something that should ideally be continuous but is interrupted.
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Examples of usage
- The intermittent noise coming from the machine was a sign of a malfunction.
- The car's intermittent wipers were not working properly.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- Intermittent fasting is a popular dietary approach where eating is restricted to certain hours, promoting health benefits.
- In electronics, intermittent signals can cause devices to malfunction or operate inefficiently, often leading to troubleshooting.
- Intermittent rain patterns are crucial in areas needing water for agriculture, influencing crop yield.
Psychology
- Intermittent reinforcement is a powerful concept in behavioral psychology, explaining why rewards offered at random can lead to stronger habits.
- When attention or affection is given intermittently, it can lead to increased desire and attachment, often seen in relationships.
- Some studies suggest that people recall information better when they are exposed to it intermittently rather than continuously.
Pop Culture
- The TV show 'The Office' features plot lines that are very often intermittent, adding humor through unexpected pauses and gaps.
- In music, there are songs that feature intermittent rhythms, creating a dynamic listening experience that keeps audiences engaged.
- Intermittent characters appear in various stories, showing up only when the plot requires their influence or action.
Literature
- In literary works, authors may use intermittent dialogue to create a sense of realism or tension between characters.
- Some narratives tell stories in an intermittent fashion, revealing key events over time instead of in a linear sequence.
- Poets often use intermittent imagery to evoke emotions that surface sporadically in the mind of the reader.
Origin of 'intermittent'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'intermittens', which means 'to come between' or 'to stop and start'.
- The prefix 'inter-' means 'between' and 'mittens' comes from 'mittere', meaning 'to send'.
- It entered the English language around the early 1600s.
The word 'intermittent' originated from the Latin word 'intermittere', which means 'to stop or interrupt'. It has been used in English since the 16th century to describe things that occur at irregular intervals or with pauses in between. The concept of intermittency is commonly found in various fields such as weather patterns, technology, and health.