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View synonyms for gap

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
  7. bridge a gap or close a gap or fill a gap or stop a gap
    to remedy a deficiency
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


verb

  1. tr to make a breach or opening in
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Derived Forms

  • ˈgappy, adjective
  • ˈgapless, adjective
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Other Words From

  • gapless adjective
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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 ) )
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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
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Example Sentences

In straight relationships with an age gap, words like ‘gold-digger’ and ‘trophy wife’ get thrown around.

But most of this gap, say the researchers who carried out the study, is due to discrimination.

Since then, the rising gap between the rich and middle- and lower-income families has risen to the fore.

No approving remarks for the growing gap between rich and poor.

The best, or at least most successful, are bridging the gap between punk-rock DIY ethos and social-media savvy.

A pang, a bitterness that lasted for a day or for a year—and the gap would be filled again by some one else.

Bran or horse-dung inside was a good thing as a stop-gap, though it added not to the strength of the boiler.

The tall man leaped over just there; and the Jew, running a few paces to the right, crept through that gap.

Then you're the chap who covered the trail between Phœnix and Potter's Gap yesterday afternoon?

Before he could recover, a figure was flying through the open gap that lately had been a window.

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