in
ter
val
Plural
intervals
1
a period of time between two events or moments
- During the interval between classes, students gathered in the hallway to chat.
- In the interval between meetings, she grabbed a quick coffee to recharge.
- There was a short interval between the two meetings, allowing for a quick break.
- The interval between the start of the concert and the second act was fifteen minutes.
- He took a two-week interval before starting his new job.
Synonyms:
2
a set of real numbers that includes all the numbers between any two specified numbers within the set
- The interval (a, b), where a and b are real numbers, represents all numbers between a and b but excludes the endpoints.
- In the closed interval [c, d], every number between c and d, including c and d, is part of the set.
- A half-open interval (e, f], where e and f are real numbers, includes all numbers greater than e and less than or equal to f.
- The interval notation (−∞, 5) represents all real numbers less than 5, excluding 5 itself.
- An interval like [2, 2] includes only the number 2, as both endpoints are the same.
3
the distance between things
Synonyms:
4
a dissimilarity in pitch between two notes
An interval in music refers to the distance between two notes, measured by the number of steps or spaces on the musical staff. It can be described by its size, such as a third or a fifth, and its quality, such as major, minor, perfect, or diminished. For example, the distance between C and E is a major third interval because there are three letter names (C, D, E) and two whole steps between them. Intervals are important for creating melodies and harmonies, as they help define the relationships between notes and contribute to the overall sound and mood of the music.
- The interval between the notes C and E is a major third.
- She practiced playing intervals to improve her sight-reading skills.
- To identify intervals, the musician listened carefully to the pitches.
- The vocalist adjusted her pitch to match the interval required for the harmony.
- The composer used a minor seventh interval to create a sense of tension.
Synonyms:
5
a short break between different parts of a theatrical or musical performance
An interval is a short break during a theatrical or musical performance, providing the audience and performers a chance to rest. It typically occurs between different acts or sections of the show, allowing time for people to stretch, socialize, or get refreshments. This pause helps to refresh the audience and can also give performers a moment to prepare for the next part of the performance.
- The audience enjoyed refreshments during the interval of the play.
- The orchestra returned to the stage after a 15-minute interval.
- The performers used the interval to prepare for the next scene.
- The theater announced that the interval would last ten minutes.
- She checked her phone during the interval, waiting for the show to resume.
6
an exercise that makes athletes switch between short, high intensity bursts of activities, each requiring different speeds or amount of effort