Intermittently: meaning, definitions and examples
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intermittently
[ ˌɪn.təˈmɪt.ənt.li ]
used in a sentence
At irregular intervals; not continuously or steadily.
Synonyms
occasionally, periodically, sporadically.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| intermittently |
Used to describe something that starts and stops irregularly over a period of time.
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| occasionally |
Used to describe something that happens from time to time, not on a regular basis but not often.
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| sporadically |
Used to describe something that happens at irregular intervals, less frequently and more randomly. Often has a sense of unpredictability.
|
| periodically |
Used to describe something that occurs at regular intervals of time.
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Examples of usage
- She checked her phone intermittently throughout the day.
- The sun shone intermittently through the clouds.
- He could hear the sound of the train intermittently in the distance.
used in a sentence
Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady.
Synonyms
irregular, periodic, sporadic.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| intermittently |
Used to describe something that happens at irregular intervals but not consistently. This is commonly used for events or actions that start, stop, and then start again over a period of time.
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| sporadic |
Indicates irregular and infrequent occurrences, often unexpectedly. It usually implies a lack of consistency or regularity, and sometimes carries a slightly negative connotation of unpredictability.
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| periodic |
This refers to something that happens at regular, predictable intervals. It's often used in scientific, medical, or technical contexts to describe cycles or patterns.
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| irregular |
Describes something that does not happen at consistent or equal intervals, often without a predictable pattern. This word can refer to schedules, shapes, patterns, and behaviors.
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Examples of usage
- The intermittent rain showers made it difficult to plan outdoor activities.
- The car had an intermittent issue with starting.
Translations
Translations of the word "intermittently" in other languages:
🇵🇹 intermitentemente
🇮🇳 रुक-रुक कर
🇩🇪 zeitweise
🇮🇩 berselang-seling
🇺🇦 переривчасто
🇵🇱 przerywanie
🇯🇵 断続的に
🇫🇷 par intermittence
🇪🇸 intermitentemente
🇹🇷 aralıklı olarak
🇰🇷 간헐적으로
🇸🇦 بشكل متقطع
🇨🇿 přerušovaně
🇸🇰 prerušovane
🇨🇳 间歇性地
🇸🇮 občasno
🇮🇸 með hléum
🇰🇿 үзіліспен
🇬🇪 შეწყდომით
🇦🇿 aralıqla
🇲🇽 intermitentemente
Etymology
The word 'intermittently' originated from the Latin word 'intermittens', which is the present participle of 'intermittere', meaning 'to leave off, break off, or leave in the middle'. The concept of something occurring at irregular intervals has been present in language for centuries, as people have always needed a way to describe actions or events that are not continuous or steady. Over time, 'intermittently' has become a commonly used adverb and adjective in English to convey this idea of sporadic or periodic occurrence.