Definition

1. Noun:
   • A period of time between two events or points in time: An interval is a specific, measurable length of time that separates two moments.
   • A space or gap between two objects, points, or parts: An interval refers to the physical distance or separation between things.
   • A pause or break in an activity: An interval can be a temporary stop or intermission during a continuous event, such as a performance.
   • The difference in pitch between two musical notes: In music theory, an interval is the distance between two notes, measured by the number of steps between them.
   • A set of all numbers between two given endpoints: In mathematics, an interval is a continuous set of real numbers lying between two specified numbers.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Time):
  • There was a short interval between the two meetings.
  • The trains depart at regular intervals of 30 minutes.
• Noun (Space/Distance):
  • The trees were planted at equal intervals along the path.
  • Maintain a safe interval between your car and the vehicle ahead.
• Noun (Pause/Break):
  • The audience stretched their legs during the 15-minute interval.
• Noun (Music):
  • A perfect fifth is a common harmonic interval.
• Noun (Mathematics):
  • The solution lies within the interval from 0 to 1.

Advanced Usage

• "At intervals": happening or placed with time or space between.
  • She checked her phone at regular intervals.
  • Signs were posted at intervals along the trail.
• "In the interval": during the break or pause.
  • We can discuss this further in the interval.

Variants and Related Words

• Interim (noun/adjective): The intervening time; temporary or provisional. (e.g., )
• Interlude (noun): A short intervening period or performance. (e.g., )
• Intermission (noun): A pause or break, especially between acts of a play or parts of a performance. (This is a close synonym for 'interval' in the context of a break.)

Synonyms

• Gap: An empty space or interval; a break in continuity.
• Interim: An intervening period of time.
• Interlude: A period or event that comes between others.
• Hiatus: A pause or gap in a sequence, series, or process.
• Span: The full extent from end to end; can refer to time or space.

Related Phrases

• Time interval: A specific phrase emphasizing the temporal meaning.
  • Measure the time interval between the flash and the sound.
• Confidence interval: A statistical term for a range of values used to estimate a population parameter.

Related Idioms

• At regular intervals: Repeatedly, with a consistent amount of time or space between occurrences.
  • The medication must be taken at regular intervals.
• In the interval between: In the time that separates two events.
  • In the interval between his jobs, he traveled.

Noun

1. the difference in pitch between two notes
2. the distance between things
   • fragile items require separation and cushioning
3. a set containing all points (or all real numbers) between two given endpoints
4. a definite length of time marked off by two instants