Intermittently Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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intermittently
[ˌɪn.təˈmɪt.ənt.li ]
Definitions
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.
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| 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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In biology, some species exhibit intermittent behavior, like animals that hibernate or migrate in patterns instead of continuously.
- Intermittent fasting is a trend in nutrition where eating periods alternate with fasting ones, showing how our bodies can benefit from breaks.
- In physics, light can be emitted intermittently, as seen in strobe lights, where flashes occur in cycles rather than constantly.
Technology
- In networking, intermittent connectivity issues can frustrate users, where sometimes the internet works and sometimes it doesn’t.
- Intermittently powered devices, like smart thermostats, can help save energy by only functioning when needed rather than constantly.
- Software updates often occur intermittently, releasing patches or improvements at different times to enhance user experience.
Psychology
- Intermittent reinforcement, a method in behavioral psychology, shows that behaviors can be more strongly reinforced when rewards are delivered sporadically.
- This concept helps explain why habits like gambling can be addictive; the occasional win can keep players engaged despite long periods of loss.
- Studies suggest that intermittent stress can sometimes lead to better coping strategies in individuals compared to constant pressure.
Everyday Life
- Many people experience intermittent sleep patterns, where they might sleep well some nights and struggle other nights, affecting overall health.
- Weather can be described as intermittent, with sunny periods followed by rain, reflecting the unpredictable nature of our environment.
- Intermittently visiting friends can strengthen relationships, allowing time to catch up and create meaningful interactions without overstaying.
Origin of 'intermittently'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'intermittens', which means 'ceasing between'. It's derived from 'inter-' meaning 'between' and 'mittere' meaning 'to send'.
- Historically, it has been used to describe irregular periods of activity, like early medical terms for fevers that came and went.
- The prefix 'inter-' suggests a connection to pauses or gaps, giving a sense of something that is not continuous.
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.