Intermittent

/ˌɪn.təˈmɪt.ənt/ adjective

Definition

Happening sometimes but not regularly or continuously; starting and stopping over time.

Etymology

From Latin *intermittere* “to leave off, interrupt,” from *inter-* “between” and *mittere* “to send.” It originally described things that paused or broke off before starting again.

Kelly Says

Intermittent is the opposite of steady: like Wi‑Fi that appears just long enough to tease you, then disappears. The pattern matters—those little gaps can completely change how something feels or works.

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