Interval

Definition

A gap or space between two things or a pause between actions.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɪntərvəl/
• Respelling: IN-ter-vuhl (with "IN" as in "tin," "ter" as in "her," and "vuhl" as in "trouble")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɪntəvəl/
• Respelling: IN-tuh-vuhl (with "IN" as in "tin," "tuh" as in "sofa," and "vuhl" as in "trouble")

In both dialects, "interval" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "IN." The American pronunciation includes a pronounced "ter" sound, while the British pronunciation has a softer "tuh" sound.

Etymology

From Old French "intervalle", and from Latin "intervallum" meaning 'space between ramparts, interval', derived from "inter-" ('between') + "vallum" ('rampart').

Derivatives

• Intervallic (adjective)
• Intervals (noun, plural)
• Intervening (verb, present participle)
• Intervals (verb, third person singular present)
• Reinterval (noun, rare)

Synonyms

• Gap
• Break
• Pause

Antonyms

• Continuation
• Connection
• Sequence

Usage

Intervals are used in various contexts, including music, mathematics, and daily life, to indicate breaks or spaces between events, objects, or points.

Related Terms

• Interlude
• Rest
• Hiatus
• Lacuna
• Lapse

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Interval (Noun, Time): A period of time between events or actions.
  • Example: "There was a short interval between the two performances."

• Interval (Noun, Space): The distance between two points or objects.
  • Example: "The interval between the two trees is about five meters."

• Interval (Noun, Music): The difference in pitch between two musical notes.
  • Example: "The interval between C and E is a major third."

• Interval (Noun, Mathematics): A set of real numbers between two endpoints.
  • Example: "The interval [1, 5] includes all real numbers from 1 to 5."

Note: While "interval" often denotes a pause or break, in various disciplines like music and mathematics, it has specialized meanings reflecting differences or sets.