intermit - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
intermit Word Meanings
- to stop temporarily
- to break or pause for a time
- to interrupt the continuity of something
intermit Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
intermit Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˌɪntəˈmɪt/
US
/ˌɪntərˈmɪt/
intermit Word Etymology
Root decomposition: inter- (between) + mittere (to send). Historical origin: Latin → Old French → English. Memory image: Imagine a train that doesn't run continuously but rather takes breaks at various stations—in between journeys, it intermits its travel.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Intermit is a formal verb meaning to stop temporarily, to break or pause for a time, or to interrupt the continuity of something. In everyday English you might hear this in technical or literary contexts, and it is less common in casual speech. A memorable image is a train that does not run continuously, stopping at stations along the way; in between journeys it intermits its travel. The verb is often used with a time phrase, as in intermit for a day, or intermit the service until repairs are completed. It can indicate a planned pause as part of a project, or an unexpected interruption in a process, often described as a temporary halt rather than a full end.
Usage Reminders
- Use intermit in formal or technical contexts; it is not common in everyday speech. Pair it with a time phrase like intermit for two hours or intermit the service until repairs are completed. It often signals a planned pause or a temporary halt in a process. Avoid mixing with synonyms that imply a completed stop such as 'end' or 'finish'. Remember that intermit emphasizes duration of the pause, not the final outcome. Prefer simpler options like pause or suspend in casual writing.
Common Misconceptions
- Intermit means a full stop rather than a temporary pause.
- It is interchangeable with 'interrupt' in all contexts.
- Learners can use it with any time duration without care to form.
- Confusing with 'intermittent' which is an adjective.
- Assuming it is common in everyday conversation.
Thinking Differences
English tends to use pause-related verbs like pause or suspend in everyday talk; intermit is formal and usually appears in technical or literary writing, so learners often substitute with more common verbs and produce awkward phrasing in professional contexts.
Learning Tips
- Note its formal tone; reserve for technical or literary contexts.
- Pair with clear time expressions (for two hours, until repairs).
- Distinguish pause from end; it implies temporary interruption.
- Practice substituting with 'pause' or 'suspend' in casual writing.
- Be aware of its rarity; use authentic examples from manuals or essays.
- Check collocations with 'for' and 'the' to avoid awkward phrasing.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'intermit' mean?
A.To stop temporarily
B.To start suddenly
C.To continue without pause
D.To confuse someone
Step 2: Usage
Choose the sentence that uses 'intermit' correctly.
A.The rain will intermit for a few hours today.
B.They decided to intermit their donations to the charity.
C.He wanted to intermit his speech at the conference.
D.The game will intermit for the halftime show.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following words is most similar to 'intermit'?
A.Engage
B.Suspend
C.Continue
D.Conceal
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'intermit'?
A.Persist
B.Halt
C.Separate
D.Delay
Step 5: Mastery
Think of a real-life context where the concept of 'intermit' could be used.
A.She decided to intermit her workout schedule to recover.
B.The power outage caused the lights to shut off sporadically.
C.He enjoys reading books for hours without stopping.
D.The meeting will last until everyone has spoken.
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