Gap vs. Space — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 1, 2024
A gap is a specific break or opening within something, while space refers to the vast, often undefined expanse or area.
Difference Between Gap and Space
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A gap typically implies a break or opening in an object or between objects, often resulting from separation or an absence. For instance, a gap in a fence allows a glimpse of the other side. Space, on the other hand, encompasses a broader concept, referring to the unlimited three-dimensional expanse in which all material objects are located. Space can include areas between, within, and around objects, providing room for them to exist and move.
While gaps are often seen as interruptions or discontinuities within a continuous form, such as a gap in a sequence or a gap between teeth, space is perceived as a continuous, unbroken expanse. This distinction highlights how gaps interrupt continuity, whereas spaces define the physical or conceptual areas between objects.
Gaps can also signify a lack or deficiency in something, such as a gap in knowledge or understanding, implying a need for filling or bridging. Conversely, space can denote freedom or opportunity for something to occur, emphasizing potential rather than absence.
In terms of relationships, a gap might represent a rift or distance between people, suggesting a barrier to communication or connection. Space within relationships, however, can indicate a healthy distance that allows individual growth and autonomy.
In design and architecture, a gap is often used intentionally to create visual or physical separation, enhancing functionality or aesthetic appeal. Space, in this context, refers to the overall layout and arrangement, shaping how individuals interact with their environment.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A break or opening within something.
An undefined expanse or area.
Connotation
Implies interruption or deficiency.
Suggests freedom, opportunity, or physical extent.
Usage in Relationships
Indicates a rift or distance.
Denotes healthy distance for growth.
Application
Used to describe a specific absence or opening.
Refers to overall areas, including voids and expanses.
Examples
Gaps in knowledge, gaps between teeth.
Outer space, living space.
Compare with Definitions
Gap
A break or separation in a physical object or material.
The gap in the fence allowed the dog to escape.
Space
The unlimited three-dimensional expanse in which objects and events have relative position and direction.
Satellites orbit Earth in space.
Gap
A discontinuity or missing part in a sequence or range.
There's a noticeable gap in the historical records.
Space
The interval between two points or objects.
The space between the words makes the text readable.
Gap
A difference or disparity between two things or groups.
The income gap between different socioeconomic classes is widening.
Space
A specific area or volume whether empty or full.
There’s enough space in the attic for old furniture.
Gap
An unfilled space or interval.
He moved through the gap in the crowd.
Space
The physical and emotional distance between people.
Sometimes, taking some space is vital for a healthy relationship.
Gap
A lack or deficiency in something.
The new course aims to fill the gap in my understanding of calculus.
Space
Freedom or opportunity to express oneself, grow, or act.
The open field gave him the space to run freely.
Gap
An opening in a solid structure or surface; a cleft or breach
Wriggled through a gap in the fence.
A large gap in the wall where the artillery shell had exploded.
Space
Space is the boundless three-dimensional extent in which objects and events have relative position and direction. In classical physics, physical space is often conceived in three linear dimensions, although modern physicists usually consider it, with time, to be part of a boundless four-dimensional continuum known as spacetime.
Gap
A break in a line of defense.
Space
(Mathematics) A set of elements or points satisfying specified geometric postulates
Non-Euclidean space.
Gap
An opening through mountains; a pass.
Space
The infinite extension of the three-dimensional region in which all matter exists.
Gap
A space between objects or points; an aperture
A gap between his front teeth.
Space
The expanse in which the solar system, stars, and galaxies exist; the universe.
Gap
An interruption of continuity
A nine-minute gap in the recorded conversation.
Needed to fill in the gaps in her knowledge.
Space
The region of this expanse beyond Earth's atmosphere.
Gap
A conspicuous difference or imbalance; a disparity
A gap between revenue and spending.
The widening gap between rich and poor.
Space
An extent or expanse of a surface or three-dimensional area
Water covered a large space at the end of the valley.
Gap
A problematic situation resulting from such a disparity
The budget gap.
The technology gap.
Space
A blank or empty area
The spaces between words.
Gap
A spark gap.
Space
An area provided for a particular purpose
A parking space.
Gap
To make an opening or openings in
A wall that was gapped.
Space
Reserved or available accommodation on a public transportation vehicle.
Gap
To make or adjust a space between (objects or points) or in (a device)
Gap boards on a deck.
Gap a spark plug.
Space
A period or interval of time
Within the space of a week.
Gap
To be or become open
Her coat gapped open.
Space
A little while
Let's rest for a space.
Gap
An opening in anything made by breaking or parting.
He made a gap in the fence by kicking at a weak spot.
Space
Sufficient freedom from external pressure to develop or explore one's needs, interests, and individuality
"The need for personal space inevitably asserts itself" (Maggie Scarf).
Gap
An opening allowing passage or entrance.
We can slip through that gap between the buildings.
Space
(Music) One of the intervals between the lines of a staff.
Gap
An opening that implies a breach or defect.
There is a gap between the roof and the gutter.
Space
(Printing) One of the blank pieces of type or other means used for separating words or characters.
Gap
A vacant space or time.
I have a gap in my schedule next Tuesday.
Space
One of the intervals during the telegraphic transmission of a message when the key is open or not in contact.
Gap
A hiatus, a pause in something which is otherwise continuous.
I'm taking a gap.
You must wait for a gap in the traffic before crossing the road.
Space
Blank sections in printed material or broadcast time available for use by advertisers.
Gap
A vacancy, deficit, absence, or lack.
Their departure has left a gap in the workforce.
Find words to fill the gaps in an incomplete sentence.
Space
To organize or arrange with spaces between
Carefully space the words on the poster.
Gap
A mountain or hill pass.
The exploring party went through the high gap in the mountains.
Space
To separate or keep apart
The buildings are spaced far from each other.
Gap
(baseball) The regions between the outfielders.
Jones doubled through the gap.
Space
(Slang) To stupefy or disorient. Often used with out
The antihistamine spaces me out so I can't think clearly.
Gap
The shortfall between the amount the medical insurer will pay to the service provider and the scheduled fee for the item.
Space
To be or become stupefied or disoriented. Often used with out
I was supposed to meet her, but I spaced out and forgot.
Gap
(AU) (usually written as "the gap") The disparity between the indigenous and non-indigenous communities with regard to life expectancy, education, health, etc.
Space
(heading) Of time.
Gap
(genetics) An unsequenced region in a sequence alignment.
Space
Free time; leisure, opportunity.
Gap
(transitive) To notch, as a sword or knife.
Space
A specific (specified) period of time.
Gap
(transitive) To make an opening in; to breach.
Space
An undefined period of time (without qualifier, especially a short period); a while.
Gap
(transitive) To check the size of a gap.
I gapped all the spark plugs in my car, but then realized I had used the wrong manual and had made them too small.
Space
(heading) Unlimited or generalized extent, physical or otherwise.
Gap
To leave suddenly.
Space
Distance between things.
Gap
An opening in anything made by breaking or parting; as, a gap in a fence; an opening for a passage or entrance; an opening which implies a breach or defect; a vacant space or time; a hiatus; a mountain pass.
Miseries ensued by the opening of that gap.
It would make a great gap in your own honor.
Space
Physical extent across two or three dimensions (sometimes for or to do something).
Gap
The vertical distance between two superposed surfaces, esp. in a biplane.
Space
Physical extent in all directions, seen as an attribute of the universe (now usually considered as a part of space-time), or a mathematical model of this.
Gap
To notch, as a sword or knife.
Space
The near-vacuum in which planets, stars and other celestial objects are situated; the universe beyond the earth's atmosphere.
The first man in space
Gap
To make an opening in; to breach.
Their masses are gapp'd with our grape.
Space
The physical and psychological area one needs within which to live or operate; personal freedom.
Gap
A conspicuous disparity or difference as between two figures;
Gap between income and outgo
The spread between lending and borrowing costs
Space
(heading) A bounded or specific extent, physical or otherwise.
Gap
An open or empty space in or between things;
There was a small opening between the trees
The explosion made a gap in the wall
Space
A (chiefly empty) area or volume with set limits or boundaries.
Gap
A narrow opening;
He opened the window a crack
Space
(music) A position on the staff or stave bounded by lines.
Gap
A pass between mountain peaks
Space
A gap in text between words, lines etc., or a digital character used to create such a gap.
Gap
An act of delaying or interrupting the continuity;
It was presented without commercial breaks
Space
(metal type) A piece of metal type used to separate words, cast lower than other type so as not to take ink, especially one that is narrower than one en (compare quad).
Gap
Make an opening or gap in
Space
A gap; an empty place.
Space
(geometry) A set of points, each of which is uniquely specified by a number (the dimensionality) of coordinates.
Space
A generalized construct or set whose members have some property in common; typically there will be a geometric metaphor allowing these members to be viewed as "points". Often used with a restricting modifier describing the members (e.g. vector space), or indicating the inventor of the construct (e.g. Hilbert space).
Functional analysis is best approached through a sound knowledge of Hilbert space theory.
Space
A field, area, or sphere of activity or endeavour.
Innovation in the browser space
Space
Anything analogous to a physical space in which one can interact, such as an online chat room.
Space
To roam, walk, wander.
Space
(transitive) To set some distance apart.
Faye had spaced the pots at 8-inch intervals on the windowsill.
The cities are evenly spaced.
Space
To insert or utilise spaces in a written text.
This paragraph seems badly spaced.
Space
To eject into outer space, usually without a space suit.
The captain spaced the traitors.
Space
To travel into and through outer space.
Space
Extension, considered independently of anything which it may contain; that which makes extended objects conceivable and possible.
Pure space is capable neither of resistance nor motion.
Space
Place, having more or less extension; room.
They gave him chase, and hunted him as hare;Long had he no space to dwell [in].
While I have time and space.
Space
A quantity or portion of extension; distance from one thing to another; an interval between any two or more objects; as, the space between two stars or two hills; the sound was heard for the space of a mile.
Put a space betwixt drove and drove.
Space
Quantity of time; an interval between two points of time; duration; time.
Nine times the space that measures day and night.
God may defer his judgments for a time, and give a people a longer space of repentance.
Space
A short time; a while.
Space
Walk; track; path; course.
This ilke [same] monk let old things pace,And held after the new world the space.
Space
A small piece of metal cast lower than a face type, so as not to receive the ink in printing, - used to separate words or letters.
Space
One of the intervals, or open places, between the lines of the staff.
Space
That portion of the universe outside the earth or its atmosphere; - called also outer space.
Space
To walk; to rove; to roam.
And loved in forests wild to space.
Space
To arrange or adjust the spaces in or between; as, to space words, lines, or letters.
Space
The unlimited expanse in which everything is located;
They tested his ability to locate objects in space
Space
An empty area (usually bounded in some way between things);
The architect left space in front of the building
They stopped at an open space in the jungle
The space between his teeth
Space
An area reserved for some particular purpose;
The laboratory's floor space
Space
A blank character used to separate successive words in writing or printing;
He said the space is the most important character in the alphabet
Space
A blank area;
Write your name in the space provided
Space
One of the areas between or below or above the lines of a musical staff;
The spaces are the notes F-A-C-E
Space
(printing) a block of type without a raised letter; used for spacing between words
Space
Place at intervals;
Space the interviews so that you have some time between the different candidates
Common Curiosities
Can a gap also indicate a deficiency?
Yes, a gap can signify a lack or deficiency, such as a gap in knowledge.
How do gaps and space differ in concept?
Gaps imply an absence or break within something, while space encompasses the broader area or expanse around or within objects.
What is a gap?
A gap is a break or opening within something, often indicating an absence or discontinuity.
Is space always physical?
No, space can be conceptual, like the space for creativity, or physical, like the space in a room.
What does space refer to?
Space refers to an undefined expanse or area, which can be physical or conceptual.
Can gaps be beneficial?
Yes, in certain contexts like design, gaps can enhance functionality or aesthetic appeal.
What role does space play in relationships?
Space in relationships allows for individual growth and autonomy, indicating a healthy distance.
Is there a relationship between gaps and space?
Gaps can be considered specific instances of spaces, especially when indicating openings or absences within broader expanses.
How do gaps affect relationships?
Gaps can represent rifts or distances between individuals, often indicating barriers.
How can space be vital in a relationship?
Space can provide individuals in a relationship with the necessary freedom to grow independently, which is crucial for a healthy bond.
Why is spacing important in design?
In design, spacing is important for readability, aesthetic appeal, and functionality.
How do gaps and space differ in usage?
Gaps are usually referred to specific absences or openings, whereas space can denote both vast expanses and specific areas.
What is an example of a gap in knowledge?
An example would be lacking understanding in a specific academic field, requiring further education.
Can space imply opportunity?
Yes, space often implies freedom or opportunity for action, growth, or expression.
Can gaps and spaces coexist?
Yes, gaps and spaces can coexist, with gaps often forming part of the broader concept of space.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
