Intermittant vs. Intermittent — Which is Correct Spelling?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 2, 2024
"Intermittant" is incorrect, whereas "Intermittent" is correct, describing events or occurrences that start and stop at irregular intervals.
Table of Contents
Which is correct: Intermittant or Intermittent
How to spell Intermittent?
Intermittant
Incorrect Spelling
Intermittent
Correct Spelling
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Key Differences
Think of "intermittent" rain: it comes and goes, just like the double "t" in the spelling.
Associate "intermittent" with "internet" for its sporadic connectivity issues, both containing "inter" and ending in "t."
Remember, "intermittent" has an "e" before the "nt," unlike the common mistake of using "a."
Use "inter" (between) + "mit" (send) to remember the flow of something being sent in intervals.
Recall "intermittent" contains "mitt," like the word "mittens," which you put on and take off periodically.
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How Do You Spell Intermittent Correctly?
Incorrect: The symptoms of the illness are often intermittant, making it hard to diagnose.
Correct: The symptoms of the illness are often intermittent, making it hard to diagnose.
Incorrect: We experienced intermittant connection issues with the internet service.
Correct: We experienced intermittent connection issues with the internet service.
Incorrect: His attendance at school has been intermittant this semester.
Correct: His attendance at school has been intermittent this semester.
Incorrect: The rain was intermittant throughout the afternoon.
Correct: The rain was intermittent throughout the afternoon.
Incorrect: The signal was intermittant, causing disruptions in the broadcast.
Correct: The signal was intermittent, causing disruptions in the broadcast.
Intermittent Definitions
Used to describe fluctuating levels of performance or activity.
The player's participation in the game was intermittent due to injury.
Refers to technology or services functioning sporadically.
The area suffers from intermittent internet service.
Intermittent often describes natural phenomena that do not occur continuously.
We experienced intermittent rain during our hike.
Describes symptoms or conditions that come and go.
He reported intermittent headaches over several weeks.
Stopping and starting at intervals.
Alternately containing and empty of water
An intermittent lake.
Stopping and starting, occurring, or presenting at intervals; coming after a particular time span.
The day was cloudy with intermittent rain.
Intermittent bugs are most difficult to reproduce.
Existing only for certain seasons; that is, being dry for part of the year.
The area has many intermittent lakes and streams.
An intermittent fever or disease.
Coming and going at intervals; alternating; recurrent; periodic; as, an intermittent fever.
Stopping and starting at irregular intervals;
Intermittent rain showers
Stopping and starting at regular intervals
Intermittent describes events happening at unpredictable intervals.
The light flickered intermittently throughout the night.
Intermittent Meaning in a Sentence
The car's engine showed signs of intermittent trouble, but it was still running.
Intermittent fasting has become a popular dietary choice for many looking to improve their health.
Intermittent rain showers are expected throughout the week.
His intermittent cough has been bothering him for a few weeks now.
Intermittent reinforcement in psychology can lead to strong learned behaviors.
Intermittent internet service can be frustrating for businesses that rely on constant connectivity.
Intermittent sleep patterns can significantly impact one's health and well-being.
She noticed intermittent periods of silence during the conversation, which felt awkward.
The intermittent noise from the construction site nearby made it difficult to concentrate.
The researchers observed the intermittent behavior of the wildlife in the area.
The park is beautiful in the autumn, with intermittent patches of sunlight filtering through the trees.
His interest in the project was intermittent, fluctuating between enthusiasm and indifference.
Intermittent use of the device is recommended to prolong its battery life.
The television signal was intermittent during the storm.
The light was intermittent, flickering on and off every few seconds.
She had an intermittent feeling that she was being watched.
She felt intermittent pangs of guilt over her decision.
Intermittent faults in the electrical system can be the hardest to diagnose.
The city experiences intermittent water supply issues during the summer months.
The signal from the lighthouse was a steady intermittent flash.
The patient reported intermittent pain that varied in intensity.
Intermittent winds made it difficult to predict the weather for the day.
Intermittent fasting involves alternating periods of eating and fasting.
Common Curiosities
Why is it called Intermittent?
It's called "intermittent" because it derives from Latin "intermittens," meaning "stopping intermittently," reflecting its characteristic of occurring at irregular intervals.
What is the verb form of Intermittent?
There is no direct verb form of "intermittent," but "intermit" is related, meaning to cease for a time or stop intermittently.
Which vowel is used before Intermittent?
The vowel "e" is used before "nt" in "intermittent."
What is the root word of Intermittent?
The root word is "intermit," coming from Latin "intermittere," meaning to interrupt or stop at intervals.
Which article is used with Intermittent?
The article "an" is used with "intermittent."
Is Intermittent a noun or adjective?
Intermittent is primarily an adjective.
Is Intermittent an adverb?
No, intermittent is not an adverb.
What is the pronunciation of Intermittent?
Intermittent is pronounced as /ˌɪn.tərˈmɪ.tənt/.
What is the plural form of Intermittent?
The plural form is "intermittents," though rarely used as it is primarily an adjective.
Which preposition is used with Intermittent?
"With" or "during" are commonly used with "intermittent" (e.g., intermittent with periods, intermittent during the day).
Is Intermittent a collective noun?
No, intermittent is not a collective noun.
What is the singular form of Intermittent?
The singular form is "intermittent."
Which conjunction is used with Intermittent?
Conjunctions such as "and" or "but" can be used, depending on the sentence.
What is a stressed syllable in Intermittent?
The stressed syllable in "intermittent" is "mit."
What is another term for Intermittent?
Another term for intermittent is "sporadic."
What is the first form of Intermittent?
As an adjective, "intermittent" remains unchanged; it does not have verb forms.
Is Intermittent a vowel or consonant?
The word "intermittent" starts with a vowel.
Is Intermittent a countable noun?
As an adjective, it doesn’t apply as countable or uncountable.
What part of speech is Intermittent?
Intermittent is an adjective.
Which determiner is used with Intermittent?
Determiners like "the," "an," or "some" can be used with "intermittent," depending on context.
Is Intermittent an abstract noun?
No, intermittent is an adjective, not a noun.
Is the word Intermittent Gerund?
No, "intermittent" is an adjective, not a gerund.
How many syllables are in Intermittent?
There are four syllables in "intermittent."
How do we divide Intermittent into syllables?
Intermittent is divided into syllables as in-ter-mit-tent.
What is the opposite of Intermittent?
The opposite of intermittent is "continuous" or "constant."
Is Intermittent a negative or positive word?
Intermittent is neutral; its positive or negative connotation depends on context.
Is the Intermittent term a metaphor?
"Intermittent" can be used metaphorically to describe sporadic or irregular occurrences.
Is the word “Intermittent” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
Being an adjective, "intermittent" does not serve as a direct or indirect object.
What is the second form of Intermittent?
There is no second form for "intermittent" as it is not a verb.
Is the word Intermittent imperative?
The word "intermittent" itself is not imperative; it describes a quality or characteristic.
What is the third form of Intermittent?
Similarly, there is no third form for "intermittent."
How is Intermittent used in a sentence?
"The intermittent signal made communication difficult."
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Written 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.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
