Definition

1. Noun:

   • An open space or interval: A physical or metaphorical break, hole, or empty space between two things or in a sequence.
   • A difference or disparity: A notable difference, especially an undesirable one, between two amounts, opinions, or conditions.
   • A mountain pass: A low point or opening between hills or mountains.

2. Verb:

   • To make a gap: To create an opening, break, or space in something.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • There is a gap in the fence where the dog escaped. (A physical opening.)
  • After the manager left, there was a gap in leadership. (A metaphorical empty space or absence.)
  • The gap between the rich and the poor is widening. (A difference or disparity.)
  • We hiked through a narrow gap in the mountains. (A mountain pass.)

• Verb:

  • The explosion gapped the wall. (Created an opening.)

Advanced Usage

• "Bridge the gap": To reduce or eliminate a difference or distance between people, ideas, or things.

  • This program aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice.

• "Generation gap": Differences in attitudes, values, or behaviors between younger and older generations.

  • The generation gap can sometimes make communication difficult.

• "Gap in the market": An opportunity to provide a product or service that is not currently available.

  • They identified a gap in the market for affordable, healthy fast food.

Variants and Related Words

• Gappy (adj): Having gaps; not continuous or complete.

  • The old fence was gappy and provided little security.

• Gap-toothed (adj): Having noticeable spaces between one's teeth.

  • The child smiled a gap-toothed grin.

Synonyms

• Opening: An open space; a gap or hole.
• Breach: A gap in a wall, barrier, or relationship.
• Disparity: A great difference, especially in economic or social contexts.
• Hiatus: A pause or gap in a sequence, series, or process.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Gap" is not commonly used to form phrasal verbs. Its verbal use is typically straightforward.)

Related Idioms

• Mind the gap: A warning to be careful of the space between a train and the platform. (Commonly heard on the London Underground.)

  • The announcement reminded passengers to mind the gap.

• Stop a gap / Fill a gap: To temporarily provide something that is missing or needed.

  • We hired a temp to fill the gap until a permanent employee is found.

Noun

1. an act of delaying or interrupting the continuity
   • it was presented without commercial breaks
   • there was a gap in his account
2. a difference (especially an unfortunate difference) between two opinions or two views or two situations
3. a pass between mountain peaks
4. a narrow opening
   • he opened the window a crack
5. an open or empty space in or between things
   • there was a small opening between the trees
   • the explosion made a gap in the wall
6. a conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures
   • gap between income and outgo
   • the spread between lending and borrowing costs

Verb

1. make an opening or gap in