Intermittent
Adjective
Definition: Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady.
Synonyms: Sporadic, Periodic, On-and-off
Antonyms: Continuous, Constant, Uninterrupted
Examples:
- The light rain was intermittent throughout the day.
- He suffers from intermittent chest pain.
Mnemonics:
- Think of a flickering lightbulb, which is intermittent.
Etymology:
Origin:
Derived from the Latin word "intermittens," which means "ceasing, stopping."
Historical Usage:The term has been used in English since the 1600s to describe something that stops or ceases for periods of time.
Related Idioms:
Idiom:
"Intermittent fasting"
Explanation:Refers to a dietary approach where periods of fasting alternate with periods of eating.
Misconceptions:
Misconception:
Confusing "intermittent" with "regular."
Explanation:Intermittent refers to irregular or sporadic occurrences, while "regular" indicates consistent or fixed intervals.