Exploring the Meaning of Intermittent
This video explores the word ‘intermittent’, its definition, etymology, synonyms, and common usage examples. It explains how intermittent describes something that starts and stops at irregular intervals, and how it differs from related terms like alternating and cyclical.
Imagine you’re trying to watch your favorite show, but the Wi-Fi keeps cutting in and out. Frustrating, right?
That’s a perfect example of something intermittent. Today, we’re exploring the word intermittent, a term you might encounter on the GRE and in everyday life.
Word type: Intermittent is an adjective. It’s pronounced in-ter-MIT-ent, with the stress on the second-to-last syllable.
Meaning: Intermittent describes something that starts and stops at irregular intervals, or occurs occasionally rather than constantly.
It refers to actions, events, or processes that are not continuous but happen periodically or sporadically.
Word history: The word intermittent comes from Latin. It’s derived from the verb intermittere, which means to leave an interval.
Inter means between, and mittere means to send or let go. So etymologically, intermittent suggests something sent or occurring between pauses.
Synonyms: Some synonyms for intermittent include sporadic, periodic, occasional, irregular, on-and-off, and fitful.
Antonyms: Antonyms of intermittent are constant, continuous, uninterrupted, and steady.
Examples use in sentences:
The old car’s engine made an intermittent rattling sound, worrying its owner. During the drought, the town experienced intermittent water supply, with service available only a few hours each day.
The hiker’s intermittent cell phone signal made it difficult to call for help when she got lost. Common errors in use:
People sometimes confuse intermittent with alternating or cyclical. While intermittent implies irregularity, alternating and cyclical suggest a more predictable pattern.
For instance, day and night alternate in a cyclical pattern, but they are not intermittent. Another common mistake is using intermittent to describe a single interruption.
Remember, intermittent implies multiple occurrences or interruptions over time. Intermittent is a useful word for describing irregular patterns or occurrences in various contexts, from natural phenomena to human behavior.
Whether you’re discussing rainfall patterns, chronic pain, or unreliable technology, intermittent can precisely convey the idea of something that comes and goes unpredictably.
By understanding and using this word correctly, you can add precision and sophistication to your vocabulary, which is especially valuable for the GRE and beyond.
