Lapse
/læps/
Definitions
2 meaningsA brief or temporary failure; a decline or error.
/læps/
A temporary failure of concentration or memory.
There was a lapse in concentration and he missed the shot.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to remember something, and suddenly your brain just... blank! That's a lapse. It's like when you forget what you were about to say mid-sentence. For example, 'I had a lapse in concentration and forgot to turn off the stove.'
👶 For kids: A little mistake or forgetting something for a short time, like forgetting what you were going to say.
More Examples
The company experienced a lapse in profits during the economic downturn.
A lapse of judgment led to the unfortunate decision.
How It's Used
"He suffered a memory lapse and couldn't remember her name."
"The contract has a lapse clause, specifying the period of inactivity that will void the agreement."
To come to an end; to expire. Or, to pass or slip slowly, often describing time.
/læps/
To pass gradually.
The agreement will lapse if not renewed.
💡 Simply: When something lapses, it stops being valid or active, like a subscription or a membership. It can also mean time passing by. For example, 'My gym membership lapsed because I didn't renew it.' or 'As the summer days lapsed, the weather grew colder.'
👶 For kids: To stop working or to pass by, like when your birthday is over and it's time for another one.
More Examples
As time lapsed, his anger began to fade.
The subscription to the magazine lapsed, and he no longer received it.
How It's Used
"Time lapsed quickly as we enjoyed the concert."
"The insurance policy lapsed due to non-payment."
Idioms & expressions
lapse of time
A period of time passing.
"After a considerable lapse of time, he remembered the password."
From Latin *lāpsus*, past participle of *lābor* 'to slip, slide, glide'.
The word 'lapse' has been used since the late 14th century, originally meaning 'to slide, slip, or fall'.
Memory tip
Think of a momentary slip, like a lapse in judgment.