Intermittently
/ˌɪntərˈmɪtəntli/
Definitions
In a way that starts and stops at irregular intervals; not continuously.
/ˌɪntərˈmɪtəntli/
Happening at irregular intervals; not continuously.
The power supply to the house failed intermittently during the storm.
💡 Simply: Imagine a leaky faucet that drips sometimes and then stops, and then drips again later. That dripping is happening intermittently – not always, but not never!
👶 For kids: Sometimes it happens, and sometimes it doesn't.
More Examples
The professor lectured intermittently, pausing for questions.
She checked her phone intermittently throughout the meeting.
How It's Used
"The machine operated intermittently, shutting down unexpectedly."
"Rain fell intermittently throughout the afternoon."
"The patient experienced intermittent pain in their leg."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Latin *intermittere* 'to interrupt, send between', from *inter-* 'between' + *mittere* 'to send'. The suffix '-ly' indicates an adverb.
The word 'intermittently' has been used since the 17th century, initially referring to actions that are temporarily interrupted.
Memory tip
Think of an *intermission* in a play - it happens at irregular intervals, breaking up the continuous performance.
Word Origin
"to interrupt; to send between"