Intervals: meaning, definitions and examples

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intervals

[ˈɪntərvəlz ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

mathematics

Intervals are sets of numbers between two given numbers. They can be open (not including the endpoints), closed (including the endpoints), half-open (including one endpoint but not the other), or half-closed (including one endpoint but not the other).

Synonyms

range, segment, span.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
intervals	Use 'intervals' when talking about time periods or spaces between events or things. This word is often used in scheduling, music, and mathematics. We should take short intervals during our study session to stay focused. The concert will have two intervals between the three sets.
range	Use 'range' when talking about the extent or scope of something, often in a continuous sequence. It is common in discussions about prices, ages, temperatures, and various statistics. The price range for these shoes is between $50 and $150. The age range for the participants is 18 to 25 years.
span	Use 'span' when talking about the full extent or duration between two points, often in time or distance. It is also used to indicate how long something lasts or the physical distance something covers. Her career spanned over three decades. The bridge has a span of 500 meters.
segment	Use 'segment' when referring to a part of a whole, usually a distinct section of something larger. This word is common in geometry, marketing, and various sciences. This segment of the market prefers eco-friendly products. The documentary is divided into several segments.

Examples of usage

An interval from 1 to 5 would include 1 but not 5.
The interval (2, 7] includes all numbers from 2 to 7 except for 2.
The interval [4, 9) includes all numbers from 4 to 9 except for 9.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

Intervals in math refer to the range of numbers between two endpoints, like the numbers that are between 1 and 5.
In statistics, data intervals help summarize information, making it easier to understand patterns and trends.

Music

In music, an interval is the distance between two notes. For example, the leap from C to E is called a major third.
Intervals are foundational in creating melodies and harmonies, shaping how music sounds and feels.

Exercise & Fitness

Interval training involves alternating between periods of intense effort and rest, leading to improved fitness levels.
This type of training can boost metabolism and enhance endurance, making workouts more effective and efficient.

Linguistics

In linguistics, intervals can describe timings in speech, such as the pauses between words or sentences that affect communication.
Studying speech intervals helps in understanding rhythm and flow in spoken language, making it easier to learn new languages.

Philosophy

Philosophically, intervals can represent the space between moments in time, prompting discussions on the nature of existence and temporality.
The concept of intervals also leads to reflections on mindfulness, emphasizing the importance of appreciating each moment.

Translations

Translations of the word "intervals" in other languages:

🇵🇹 intervalos

🇮🇳 अंतराल

🇩🇪 Intervalle

🇮🇩 interval

🇺🇦 інтервали

🇵🇱 przedziały

🇯🇵 間隔 (かんかく)

🇫🇷 intervalles

🇪🇸 intervalos

🇹🇷 aralıklar

🇰🇷 간격

🇸🇦 فترات زمنية

🇨🇿 intervaly

🇸🇰 intervaly

🇨🇳 间隔 (jiāngé)

🇸🇮 intervali

🇮🇸 tímabil

🇰🇿 интервалдар

🇬🇪 ინტერვალები

🇦🇿 interval

🇲🇽 intervalos

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,915, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2912 talked
2913 spending
2914 penalty
2915 intervals
2916 remainder
2917 phenomena
2918 lists
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