Definition

Adverb: In a manner that is broken, discontinuous, or marked by interruptions; not occurring in a continuous or unbroken sequence.

Usage Examples

• (The rain did not fall continuously; it paused and resumed.)
• (His speech was not smooth or flowing; it had many breaks.)
• (The machine worked in a stop-and-start fashion.)

Advanced Usage

• "to proceed interruptedly": to continue in a way that is frequently halted.
  • The negotiations proceeded interruptedly over several weeks. (The talks were not continuous; they paused often.)
• "interruptedly connected": linked in a broken or non-linear manner.
  • The data stream was interruptedly connected, leading to errors in transmission. (The connection was not stable; it had gaps.)

Variants and Related Words

• Interrupted (adj): broken in continuity; having a gap or pause.
  • The interrupted signal caused the video to freeze. (The signal was not continuous.)
• Interruption (n): a break in continuity; something that interrupts.
  • There was an interruption in the power supply. (A break occurred.)
• Interrupt (v): to break the continuity of something.
  • Please do not interrupt the speaker. (Do not break the flow of speech.)

Synonyms

• Discontinuously: in a way that is not continuous; with breaks.
• Intermittently: occurring at irregular intervals; not steadily.
• Spasmodically: occurring in sudden, brief bursts; irregularly.
• Fitfully: in a way that is irregular or not steady.

Related Idioms

• By fits and starts: in short, irregular bursts; not steadily.
  • He worked on the project by fits and starts, never making consistent progress. (He worked interruptedly.)
• Off and on: occasionally; sometimes happening and sometimes not.
  • It rained off and on all day. (The rain fell interruptedly.)