gap
Looking for the meaning of gap? Explore definitions, parts of speech, and usage examples below.
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An opening in anything made by breaking or parting.
“He made a gap in the fence by kicking at a weak spot.”
An opening allowing passage or entrance.
“We can slip through that gap between the buildings.”
An opening that implies a breach or defect.
“There is a gap between the roof and the gutter.”
A vacant space or time.
“I have a gap in my schedule next Tuesday.”
A hiatus, a pause in something which is otherwise continuous.
“I'm taking a gap.”
A vacancy, deficit, absence, or lack.
“Find words to fill the gaps in an incomplete sentence.”
A mountain or hill pass.
“The exploring party went through the high gap in the mountains.”
A sheltered area of coast between two cliffs (mostly restricted to place names).
“At Birling Gap we can stop and go have a picnic on the beach.”
The regions between the outfielders.
“Jones doubled through the gap.”
(for a medical or pharmacy item) The shortfall between the amount the medical insurer will pay to the service provider and the scheduled fee for the item.
(usually written as "the gap") The disparity between the indigenous and non-indigenous communities with regard to life expectancy, education, health, etc.
An unsequenced region in a sequence alignment.
To notch, as a sword or knife.
To make an opening in; to breach.
To check the size of a gap.
“I gapped all the spark plugs in my car, but then realized I had used the wrong manual and had made them too small.”
To leave suddenly.
Understanding "gap"
The word **"gap"** is a **noun** in the English language. It is phonetically pronounced as **/ɡæp/**. Explore the detailed meaning, morphological structure, and usage examples for **"gap"** in our dictionary below.
The English language is incredibly vast, and diving into the definition of the word "gap" provides a perfect example of its linguistic depth. Categorized primarily as a noun, the term "gap" holds specific syntactical roles within a sentence, allowing speakers and writers to convey precise meaning. Understanding how this word functions is an excellent step towards mastering advanced English vocabulary and improving overall reading comprehension.
For those looking to perfect their spoken English, noting the phonetic pronunciation of "gap" is crucial. It is typically transcribed as /ɡæp/. Proper enunciation ensures that your intended message is received clearly, preventing miscommunication in both formal and casual settings. Linguistic scholars often track the phonological evolution of words like "gap" to understand broader historical shifts in dialects and accents across different English-speaking populations.
When deciding how to use "gap" in everyday communication, it helps to look at exactly how it operates as a noun. In professional writing, academic essays, and creative literature, choosing the perfect vocabulary word can drastically elevate the tone of the text. Because "gap" carries its own unique connotations and denotations, swapping it for a simpler synonym might dilute the impact of your sentence.
Our comprehensive dictionary tool is designed to provide immediate, reliable definitions for thousands of terms, including "gap". By consistently exploring the nuances of vocabulary—including phonetics (/ɡæp/), part of speech (noun), and usage examples—you can significantly expand your linguistic repertoire. Bookmark this page as a quick reference tool whenever you encounter "gap" in reading materials or wish to incorporate it into your active vocabulary.
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How do I use gap in a sentence?
Refer to the usage examples above to see how "gap" can be used in academic and casual conversations.