gap

[ gap ]

noun

1. a break or opening, as in a fence, wall, or military line; breach:

   We found a gap in the enemy's line of fortifications.

2. an empty space or interval; interruption in continuity; hiatus:

   a momentary gap in a siren's wailing; a gap in his memory.

   Synonyms: lull, interlude, break, interstice, pause

3. a wide divergence or difference; disparity:

   the gap between expenses and income; the gap between ideals and actions.

4. a difference or disparity in attitudes, perceptions, character, or development, or a lack of confidence or understanding, perceived as creating a problem:

   the technology gap; a communications gap.

5. a deep, sloping ravine or cleft through a mountain ridge.
6. Chiefly Midland and Southern U.S. a mountain pass:

   the Cumberland Gap.

7. Aeronautics. the distance between one supporting surface of an airplane and another above or below it.

verb (used with object)

, gapped, gap·ping.

1. to make a gap, opening, or breach in.

verb (used without object)

, gapped, gap·ping.

1. to come open or apart; form or show a gap.

gap

/ ɡæp /

noun

1. a break or opening in a wall, fence, etc
2. a break in continuity; interruption; hiatus

   there is a serious gap in the accounts

3. a break in a line of hills or mountains affording a route through
4. a gorge or ravine
5. a divergence or difference; disparity

   there is a gap between his version of the event and hers

   the generation gap

6. electronics
   1. a break in a magnetic circuit that increases the inductance and saturation point of the circuit
   2. See spark gap
7. bridge a gap or close a gap or fill a gap or stop a gap
   to remedy a deficiency

verb

1. tr to make a breach or opening in

Derived Forms

• ˈgappy, adjective
• ˈgapless, adjective

Other Words From

• gapless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of gap¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Old Norse: “chasm”; akin to Old Norse gapa “to open the mouth wide” ( gape ( def ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of gap¹

C14: from Old Norse gap chasm; related to gapa to gape , Swedish gap, Danish gab open mouth, opening

Example Sentences

They feel like the economy is not supportive,” Newsom said in an appearance at a Fresno community college, identifying that gap as a “point of emphasis” in the election.

From Los Angeles Times

This interdisciplinary research collaboration bridges the gap between humanities and engineering, driven by the team's passion for advancing the field of archaeology through a unique Arts-Tech partnership with HKU engineers.

From Science Daily

“The remedy must close this gap and deprive Google of these advantages.”

From Los Angeles Times

The infrastructure committee was told NI Water is facing a significant gap in funding - both in the day-to-day running of operations and on the longer term capital side.

From BBC

NI Water director of finance Ronan Larkin said there was a £23m funding gap between what they needed to run the service and what was available.

From BBC

Related Words

• chasm
• crack
• cut
• difference
• disagreement
• disparity
• divergence
• divide
• division
• hole
• inconsistency
• rift
• void