Interval — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈin-tər-vəl/ in·ter·val

Meaning & Definition of Interval

Interval (noun)

  1. a space of time between events or states
  2. intermission
  3. the difference in pitch between two tones

Interval (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a break in continuity

    "there were intervals of thousands of years between the major ice ages"

    similar: discontinuity, gap, hiatus, hiccup, interim, interlude, intermission, interregnum, interruption, interstice, parenthesis
    related: caesura, comma, interspace, lag, pause, space, time lag, window, entr'acte, bumper, adjournment, discontinuance, lapse, suspension, lull, recess, respite, rest, subinterval
    opposite: continuation, continuity
    near: continuum, run, stretch, procession, progression

  2. an open space in a barrier (as a wall or hedge)

    "unable to find my way out of the maze, I cheated and squeezed through a convenient interval in the hedge"

    similar: breach, break, discontinuity, gap, gulf, hiatus, hole, interstice, opening, rent, rift, separation, void
    related: chink, cleft, crack, cranny, crevice, fissure, notch, slit, slot, split, interspace, pore, abyss, aperture, cavity, chasm, gape, orifice, fracture, rupture, severance, sundering

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Interval

The most common words with a similar meaning to Interval:

discontinuity, gap, hiatus, hiccup, interim, interlude, intermission, interregnum, interruption, interstice, parenthesis, breach, break, gulf, hole, opening, rent, rift, separation, void

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Interval

Words with the opposite meaning of Interval:

continuation, continuity

Related Words for Interval

caesura, comma, interspace, lag, pause, space, time lag, window, entr'acte, bumper, adjournment, discontinuance, lapse, suspension, lull, recess, respite, rest, subinterval, chink, cleft, crack, cranny, crevice, fissure, notch, slit, slot, split, pore

Near Antonyms of Interval

continuum, run, stretch, procession, progression

Word Forms of Interval

Inflections: intervals

Derived words: intervallic (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Interval

Middle English intervalle, from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French entreval, from Latin intervallum space between ramparts, interval, from inter- + vallum rampart wall

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Interval

Words & Phrases Containing Interval

interval training, class interval, confidence interval, high-intensity interval training

Frequently Asked Questions about Interval

What does "Interval" mean?

"Interval" means a space of time between events or states. As a noun, it is defined as: a space of time between events or states. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Interval"?

Other words for "Interval" include discontinuity, gap, hiatus, hiccup, interim, interlude, intermission and interregnum. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Interval" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Interval"?

There are 60 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Interval". Common alternatives include discontinuity, gap, hiatus, hiccup, interim, interlude, intermission, interregnum, interruption and interstice.

What is the opposite of "Interval"?

Antonyms of "Interval" include continuation and continuity. Near antonyms include continuum, run, stretch and procession.

How do you use "Interval" in a sentence?

Examples of "Interval" in a sentence: "there were intervals of thousands of years between the major ice ages"; "unable to find my way out of the maze, I cheated and squeezed through a convenient interval in the hedge".

Is "Interval" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Interval" is a noun.

Is "Interval" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Interval" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+. It is on the Academic Word List, so it appears often in IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, and university texts.

How do you pronounce "Interval"?

"Interval" is pronounced /ˈin-tər-vəl/ and divided into syllables as in·ter·val.