Definition

Adverb: - Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuously or steadily: Describes an action or event that starts and stops repeatedly, with pauses or breaks in between.

Usage

The adverb "intermittently" modifies verbs to describe how an action is performed. It indicates that the action happens in a sporadic, on-and-off pattern rather than in a constant, uninterrupted flow.

Examples

• The old streetlight flickered intermittently throughout the night.
• She checked her phone intermittently during the long meeting.
• Rain fell intermittently, so we had periods of sunshine between the showers.

Advanced Usage

• Used to describe irregular patterns in nature, technology, or behavior: Often applied to phenomena like pain, signals, noise, or attention that come and go.
  • The patient experienced pain intermittently over several weeks.
  • The radio signal was received only intermittently due to the storm.

Variants and Related Words

• Intermittent (adjective): Occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous.
  • We had to deal with intermittent connectivity issues.
• Intermittence (noun): The state of being intermittent; irregular occurrence.

Synonyms

• Periodically: At (especially regular) intervals.
• Sporadically: Occasionally or at irregular intervals.
• Fitfully: In an irregular or unsteady way.

Antonyms

• Continuously: Without interruption.
• Constantly: Continuously over a period of time.
• Steadily: In a regular and even manner.

Related Phrases and Idioms

(Note: "Intermittently" itself is not typically part of phrasal verbs or common idioms. Its usage is generally straightforward as an adverb.) - Off and on / On and off: This is a common informal phrase with a meaning very similar to "intermittently." - It rained on and off all afternoon.

Adverb

1. in an intermittent manner
   • intermittently we questioned the barometer