Definition

Adjective 1. Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady: Describes something that starts and stops repeatedly, with pauses or breaks in between. 2. Periodic or sporadic: Happening from time to time, with intervals of cessation.

Usage

The adjective "intermittent" is used to describe actions, events, or conditions that are not constant. It emphasizes the irregular, stop-and-start nature of something. It is often used in formal and technical contexts but is also common in everyday language.

Examples

• The car had an intermittent fault that was very difficult for the mechanic to diagnose.
• She suffered from intermittent bouts of dizziness throughout the day.
• We listened to the intermittent sound of crickets on the summer night.
• The device relies on intermittent solar power, so it includes a battery for backup.

Advanced Usage

• "to be intermittent": To function or occur in an irregular, on-and-off pattern.
  • The radio signal has been intermittent all morning due to the storm.
• "intermittent in nature": A formal phrase emphasizing the characteristic stop-and-start quality.
  • The pain was intermittent in nature, which complicated the diagnosis.

Variants and Related Words

• Intermittently (adverb): In an intermittent manner.
  • The light flashed intermittently.
• Intermittence (noun): The state or quality of being intermittent. (Less common)
  • The intermittence of the supply was a major problem.

Synonyms

• Sporadic: Occurring at irregular intervals; scattered.
• Periodic: Appearing or occurring at regular intervals. (Note: "Periodic" can imply more regularity than "intermittent").
• Fitful: Active or occurring spasmodically or intermittently; not regular or steady.

Antonyms

• Constant: Occurring continuously over a period of time.
• Continuous: Forming an unbroken whole; without interruption.
• Steady: Regular, even, and continuous in development, frequency, or intensity.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• Intermittent fasting: A dietary pattern that cycles between periods of fasting and eating.
  • He lost weight by practicing intermittent fasting.
• Intermittent reinforcement (Psychology): A conditioning schedule where a reward is given only part of the time after a desired behavior.
  • The gambler's behavior was maintained by intermittent reinforcement from the slot machine.

Adjective

1. stopping and starting at irregular intervals
   • intermittent rain showers