What is interval? Pronunciation and usage in English

interval means . Learn how to pronounce and use interval through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of interval

intervalnoun

/ˈɪntəvl/
Definition & pronunciation of interval

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "interval." It can be tricky for non-native English speakers! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈɪntərˌvɛl/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  • ˈɪntər – This is the first syllable.

    • ˈɪn – Say "in" like you would in the word "in." It's a short, crisp "i" sound.
    • -tər – This part is a bit tricky. It's a “tuh” sound, like in "butter." It’s not a hard "t" as in "ton."

  • -vɛl – This is the second syllable.

    • -v – Say "v" as in "van."
    • -ɛl – This is a short "e" sound, like in "bed." Think of the "e" in "bet."

Putting it all together, it sounds like: “in-ter-vel” (with the emphasis on the first syllable: /ˈɪntər/).

Tips for pronouncing it correctly:

  • Stress: The emphasis is clearly on the first syllable ("in-").
  • "tuh" sound: Really try to make the "tuh" sound in the "-ter" part – don't pronounce a hard "t."
  • Short "e": The ending "-el" has a short "e" sound.

Resources for Hearing it:

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Usage and examples with the word interval in English

Let's break down how to use the word "interval" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different meanings. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. As a Time Period (Most Common)

  • Meaning: This is the most frequent usage. It refers to a period of time between two events or points.
  • Examples:
    • "There's a 30-minute interval between the first and second acts." (Time between performances)
    • "The interval between appointments is usually 15 minutes." (Time between meetings)
    • "The company is planning a break, a short interval to relax." (A short time of rest)
    • "The interval between sales is increasing." (The amount of time between sales)

2. In Mathematics (Distance Between Points)

  • Meaning: In math, an interval refers to a range of numbers between two endpoints.
  • Types of Intervals:
    • Open Interval: (a, b) – It excludes the endpoints a and b. (e.g., (1, 5) – includes all numbers between 1 and 5, but not 1 or 5)
    • Closed Interval: [a, b] – It includes the endpoints a and b. (e.g., [2, 8] – includes 2 and 8)
    • Half-Open/Half-Closed Intervals: [a, b) or (a, b] – Include one endpoint but exclude the other.
  • Examples:
    • "The solution to the equation lies within the interval -2 < x < 3."
    • "We need to find the area under the curve between the intervals x = 0 and x = 2."
    • "The temperature rose from -10°C to 5°C, covering an interval of 15 degrees."

3. In Music

  • Meaning: An interval is the distance between two musical notes.
  • Examples:
    • "The chord contains a major third interval."
    • “She sang a beautiful melody, based on a perfect fifth interval.”

4. In Statistics

  • Meaning: An interval (often a confidence interval) represents a range of values within which a population parameter is likely to fall.
  • Example: “The confidence interval for the average income is $50,000 to $60,000.”

5. More General Usage (Space or Area)

  • Meaning: It can also refer to a space or area between things.
  • Examples:
    • "There’s a wide interval between his past and present.” (Referring to a gap in time or status)
    • "The interval between the two buildings was quite large.” (Referring to distance)

Key Ways to Use It Effectively:

  • Context is crucial: The meaning of "interval" depends heavily on the context.
  • Clear phrasing: When referring to time, be specific (e.g., "a 10-minute interval").
  • Use the correct mathematical notation: Remember the open/closed notation for intervals in math.

Resources for More Information:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "interval"? (e.g., writing an essay, having a conversation, working on a math problem, etc.)

Synonyms for the word interval

Idioms of the word interval

at (…) intervals
with time between
  • Buses to the city leave at regular intervals.
  • The runners started at 5-minute intervals.
with spaces between
  • Flaming torches were positioned at intervals along the terrace.
  • The flags were spaced at two-metre intervals.

Practice with vocabulary interval

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The security team conducted patrols at regular ______ throughout the night.
  2. The entire ______ of the project was significantly extended due to unforeseen delays.
  3. There was a short ______ between the two presentations, allowing attendees to stretch their legs.
  4. Closing the communication ______ between departments is crucial for improving efficiency.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. Which of the following best describes a recurring period of time between events or actions? a) Continuum b) Interval c) Succession d) Progression

  2. The data analysis software allows users to specify the sampling ______ for collecting real-time information. a) range b) interval c) frequency d) scope

  3. After a brief ______ of quiet reflection, the speaker resumed the discussion. a) interval b) interlude c) phase d) stretch

  4. To complete the project, we anticipate a planning ______ of approximately three weeks. a) period b) segment c) juncture d) section

  5. Employees are entitled to a lunch ______ of at least 30 minutes. a) pause b) break c) recess d) hiatus

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The doctor recommended taking this medication every six hours. (Rewrite the sentence using "interval.")

  2. There was a momentary silence before the applause erupted. (Rewrite the sentence using "interval.")

  3. The construction of the bridge took place over a period of five years. (Rewrite the sentence using a suitable replacement word for "period," do not use "interval.")

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. interval
  2. duration
  3. interval
  4. gap

Exercise 2:

  1. b) Interval
  2. b) interval, c) frequency
  3. a) interval, b) interlude
  4. a) period
  5. b) break

Exercise 3:

  1. The doctor recommended taking this medication at six-hour intervals.
  2. A brief interval of silence preceded the eruption of applause.
  3. The construction of the bridge took place over a span of five years.

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