ENGLISH
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gap

n. countable
A2 Elementary Oxford US //ˈɡæp// UK //ɡˈæp// gap Archaic General-service Humorous Literary Slang

n. an empty space between two things. You can use it for physical spaces, like a hole in a fence, or for things like time and knowledge.

n. a break in continuity or an unfilled space between two objects. Often used metaphorically to describe a disparity in understanding, wealth, or time.


SIMPLE

There is a small gap under the door.

CONTEXTUAL

The company is trying to bridge the gap between its older customers and younger tech-savvy users.

COMPLEX

The widening gap between the two political factions has made it increasingly difficult for the legislature to pass even the most basic bipartisan funding bills.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

From Middle English gap, gappe, from Old Norse gap (“an empty space, gap, chasm”), from gapa (“to gape, scream”), from Proto-Germanic gapōną, from Proto-Indo-European ǵʰeh₂- (“to open wide, gape”). Related to Danish gab (“an expanse, space, gap”), Old English ġeap (“open space, expanse”). Doublet of gape.

Etymology 2

A variant of gape.

Usage

Commonly used with the verb 'bridge' to describe resolving a difference or 'mind' as a warning to be careful of a physical space.

Idioms2 entries

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