adj
Uncommon
intermittent
ihn-tuh-MIHTNT
Intermittent (adj) means happening at irregular intervals rather than continuously. Example: “The forecast predicts intermittent showers throughout the afternoon.”
adj
1
Happening at irregular intervals rather than continuously.
"The forecast predicts intermittent showers throughout the afternoon."
"He suffers from intermittent back pain."
How to use intermittent
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStopping and starting rather than being constant or continuous.
Common pairings
intermittent rain
intermittent fasting
intermittent pain
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Word forms
- Plural
- intermittents
- Comparative
- more intermittent
- Superlative
- most intermittent
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The forecast predicts _____ showers throughout the afternoon.
Etymology
From Latin intermittens, "sending between" — from inter- ("among") plus mittere ("to send").
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “intermittent” mean?
The word “intermittent” means happening at irregular intervals rather than continuously. In plain terms, stopping and starting rather than being constant or continuous.
How do you pronounce “intermittent”?
“Intermittent” is pronounced ihn-tuh-MIHTNT (/ˌɪntɚˈmɪtn̩t/ in IPA).
How do you use “intermittent” in a sentence?
Here is “intermittent” used in a sentence: “The forecast predicts intermittent showers throughout the afternoon.”
What part of speech is “intermittent”?
“Intermittent” is an adjective.
Where does the word “intermittent” come from?
The word “intermittent” comes from Latin. From Latin intermittens, "sending between" — from inter- ("among") plus mittere ("to send").
Is “intermittent” a common word?
“Intermittent” is an uncommon word in modern English.
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