intermittingly
Definition
Adverb: In a manner that stops and starts at intervals; not continuously; with pauses or interruptions.
Usage Examples
- (The rain stopped and started again several times.)
- (Her speech was broken by frequent stops.)
- (The transmission was not steady; it came and went.)
Advanced Usage
"intermittingly active": describing a process or state that alternates between activity and inactivity.
- The volcano has been intermittingly active for centuries. (It erupts periodically, with long quiet periods.)
"intermittingly applied": used to describe a method or force that is not constant.
- The pressure was applied intermittingly to avoid damage. (It was applied in bursts, not steadily.)
Variants and Related Words
Intermittent (adj): occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady.
- The intermittent noise from the construction site was annoying. (The noise stopped and started unpredictably.)
Intermittence (n): the quality or state of being intermittent.
- The intermittence of the power supply caused equipment failure. (The irregularity of the power caused problems.)
Intermitting (adj): that which stops and starts; pausing.
- The intermitting sound of the alarm was confusing. (The alarm sounded, then stopped, then sounded again.)
Synonyms
- Fitfully: in a way that is not regular or steady; with stops and starts.
- Periodically: from time to time; at regular or irregular intervals.
- Discontinuously: in a broken or interrupted manner.
Antonyms
- Continuously: without any pauses or interruptions.
- Steadily: in a regular, constant manner.
- Uninterruptedly: without any breaks.
Related Idioms
- By fits and starts: in short, irregular bursts of activity.
- He worked on the project by fits and starts, never finishing it on time. (He worked intermittently, not consistently.)