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

“The debate on the height gap between Indian and Sub-Saharan African children has resulted in overlooking the role of social identity, especially caste status,” the authors say.

From BBC

The fossil filled a 70-million-year gap in the understanding of how the brains of birds evolved: between the 150-million-year-old Archaeopteryx, the earliest known bird-like dinosaur, and birds living today.

From BBC

But you may only need a small gap in the clouds to witness the Beaver supermoon - and you can keep up to date on the prospects of that happening where you are on the BBC Weather website and app.

From BBC

There remains a seven-year gap in life expectancy.

From BBC

She’s now studying a course in the US, certified by the National Board of Health and Wellness Coaches, hoping to eventually bridge the gap between information, resources and access to specialists for women from all kinds of backgrounds in India.

From BBC

Related Words

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