Definition

1. Verb:
   • To pass or go by (used of time): "elapse" means for a period of time to pass or slip away. It is an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object; the time itself is the subject that elapses.

Usage

• The verb "elapse" is used formally or neutrally to describe the passage of time. It often appears in contexts discussing schedules, deadlines, or historical periods.
• It is typically used with subjects like "time," "minutes," "hours," "days," "years," or specific periods (e.g., "the deadline," "the interval").

Examples

• Verb:
  • Several minutes elapsed before anyone spoke.
  • A period of ten years has elapsed since our last meeting.
  • Please ensure the task is completed before too much time elapses.

Advanced Usage

• In legal or formal contexts: "elapse" is often used to specify time limits or waiting periods.
  • The statutory period for filing an appeal has now elapsed.
• In scientific or technical writing: It can describe the passage of time in experiments or processes.
  • The reaction was monitored as time elapsed.

Variants and Related Words

• Elapsed (adj): Describes time that has already passed.
  • The elapsed time for the marathon was just over two hours.
• Lapse (verb/noun): While related, "lapse" has broader meanings including a slight error, a decline, or the termination of a right or privilege. It can also mean for time to pass, making it a close synonym in that specific sense.
  • A lapse in judgment (noun: error).
  • His membership lapsed after he failed to pay the fee (verb: to become invalid).
  • As the hours lapsed, hope faded (verb: to pass, similar to "elapse").

Synonyms

• Pass: (The most common and general synonym)
• Go by: (More informal)
• Slip away: (Suggests time passing unnoticed)

Related Phrases

• With the elapse of time: A formal phrase meaning "as time passes."
  • With the elapse of time, the details of the event became fuzzy.
• Before much time elapses: An idiomatic construction urging prompt action.
  • We need to make a decision before much more time elapses.

Verb

1. pass by
   • three years elapsed