intermittent

What does “intermittent” mean?

adjective.occurring at irregular intervals; not continuous or steady.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in passages related to environmental science, technology, or personal health, emphasizing variations in phenomena or conditions that do not occur in a consistent manner. It suggests unpredictability or inconsistency, contrasting with terms like "constant," which implies steadiness and reliability.

Common Confusions

Intermittent implies irregular occurrence or pauses, while continuous usually suggests an unbroken, steady flow without interruptions.

Example Sentences

• Intermittent bugs are most difficult to reproduce.

• The area has many intermittent lakes and streams.

Word Parts: How to Remember “intermittent”

Break “intermittent” into its parts: inter- (between, among). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: inter- between, among (Latin)