Intermittently: meaning, definitions and examples

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intermittently

[ˌɪn.təˈmɪt.ənt.li ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adverb}

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. The phone service was available intermittently due to technical issues. She could only work intermittently throughout the day because of her frequent meetings.
occasionally	Used to describe something that happens from time to time, not on a regular basis but not often. We occasionally go out for dinner on weekends. He occasionally visits his grandparents in the countryside.
sporadically	Used to describe something that happens at irregular intervals, less frequently and more randomly. Often has a sense of unpredictability. The streetlights flickered sporadically due to the power outage. Rain showers occurred sporadically throughout the week.
periodically	Used to describe something that occurs at regular intervals of time. The company holds meetings periodically to discuss progress. She checks her emails periodically throughout the day.

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.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

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. The signal is transmitted intermittently due to the bad weather The machine operates intermittently throughout the day
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. Sporadic cases of illness were reported in the area The power outages in this region are sporadic
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. The company sends out newsletters on a periodic basis The periodic table is organized by recurring properties
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. His attendance at meetings is irregular The pattern on the cloth is irregular

Examples of usage

The intermittent rain showers made it difficult to plan outdoor activities.
The car had an intermittent issue with starting.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,659, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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14656 greasy
14657 steeply
14658 cuisine
14659 intermittently
14660 collegiate
14661 storey
14662 rendition
...