French Conversation · Level 32
90 words
French word
intermittent
Pronunciation
IPA/ɛ̃tɛʁmitɑ̃/
Meaning
- adjectiveintermittent
Example
Le son est intermittent.
The sound is intermittent.
More examples
La connexion internet est intermittente.
The internet connection is intermittent.
Core concept
A lamp or sound switching on, stopping, and starting again.
Common phrases
bruit intermittent
intermittent noise
connexion intermittente
intermittent connection
douleur intermittente
intermittent pain
Similar words
interrompu: Halted partway through its course.
entrecoupé: Interrupted by short pauses that break its continuity.
irrégulier: Happening at irregular times or intervals.
alterné: Appearing in turn with another state.
Definition in French
Qualifie un phénomène qui n'est pas continu et qui se manifeste par périodes séparées.
Word origin
Intermittent is formed from Latin intermittere, combining inter- for a pause between events with a verb meaning to stop or release.
Usage tips
- Intermittent describes interruptions within an ongoing phenomenon, whereas occasionnel usually describes something that happens only from time to time.