WordGarden.iogap
B1Pronunciation
UK
- /ɡˈæp/
US
- /ˈɡæp/
Meanings
Noun
an empty space or opening between two things or in a surface
a difference or disparity between amounts, levels, conditions, or groups
a lack, deficiency, or missing part in knowledge, coverage, supply, or a plan
More meaningsFewer meanings
an interval or break in time, activity, or a sequence
a pass or low opening through hills or mountains
Beyond the definition
A gap is not always a physical hole. It can be a space between things, a difference in understanding, or even a period of time. Think about the space between the floor and a door, or a blank spot in someone's memory after an accident. Sometimes a "generation gap" describes differences in beliefs and values between older and younger people.
You might bridge a gap by building something to fill it, or narrow a gap by finding common ground. A gap year is a break taken between high school and college, often as a time to explore. The word often suggests that something is missing or needs attention. In many cases, it points to a separation that people want to close.
The word "gap" refers to a break, space, or interval between two things, or a difference in some quality or characteristic. It can be literal—like the gap between train cars or the gap in your teeth—but it's often used figuratively.
For example, you might talk about a "knowledge gap" when someone lacks information on a certain topic, or an "income gap" to describe the difference in earnings between different groups of people. A "generation gap" refers to differences in values and beliefs between generations.
Gaps can also represent periods of time. A "gap year," as mentioned before, is a break taken after school, while a "time gap" might refer to a period where no information is available. In sports, a significant lead is often described as a "gap"—like "The runner has a five-second gap to the competition."
Sometimes, "gap" implies something negative or undesirable—a missing piece, an obstacle, or a deficiency. A "security gap" in a system suggests vulnerability. However, gaps can also be opportunities for growth and change. Recognizing a gap in the market might inspire someone to start a new business!
So, whether it's a physical space, a difference in understanding, or a period of time, a "gap" always signifies a separation or interval between two points, often with implications about what is missing or what needs attention.
Examples
- 1
Physical opening
There was a small gap between the curtains, so I could see outside.
- 2
Schedule break
We only had a ten-minute gap between meetings.
- 3
Age difference
There's a big age gap between my brother and his wife.
- 4
Pay inequality
The pay gap between men and women is still a problem in many countries.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Missing knowledge
His answer filled a gap in my understanding of the topic.
- Phrasefill a gap
provide something that was missing
- 6
Resume history
She was worried about the gap on her resume after taking a year off.
- Phrasea gap on your resume
a period when you were not working or studying
- 7
Market need
The company saw a gap in the market for low-cost electric bikes.
- Phrasea gap in the market
a need that existing products do not meet
- 8
Transition support
Good mentoring can help bridge the gap between college and work.
- Patternbridge the gap between A and B
help connect two very different things
- 9
Education break
After high school, he took a gap year before starting university.
- Phrasegap year
a year away from formal study, often used for travel or work
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- gapnounverb
Forms
- gapspluralnounverb
- gappedpast tenseverbnoun
- gapping-ing formverbnoun