Meaning & Definition of Intermittent in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: Occasionally stopping and starting again.

  Example Sentence: The intermittent rain made it difficult to plan the outdoor event.

• Definition: Not consistent in frequency; occurring from time to time.

  Example Sentence: She experienced intermittent pain that would come and go.

• Definition: Describing an occurrence that happens in breaks or interruptions.

  Example Sentence: The intermittent power supply led to many frustrating moments while working.

Etymology

Origin: From Latin 'intermittens', the present participle of 'intermittere', meaning 'to leave off, cease; come between'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• intermittent fasting: A dietary approach that alternates between periods of eating and fasting.
• intermittent noise: Noise that is not constant but occurs at irregular intervals.
• intermittent progress: Progress that is not steady or continuous but happens sporadically.

Translations

• Spanish: intermitente

• French: intermittent

• German: intermittierend

• Russian: прерывистый

Related Words

• interrupt: To break the continuity of an action or process.

• cease: To bring or come to an end.

• pause: To temporarily stop an action or process.

Slang Meanings of intermittent

• Meaning: On and off

  Example Sentence: The internet connection is so on and off today; it's really intermittent.

• Meaning: Hit or miss

  Example Sentence: Her motivation is hit or miss—it can be very intermittent.