ENGLISH
REFERENCE

intermittently

adv. freq.
C1 Advanced US //ˌɪntɝˈmɪtəntɫi// UK //ˌɪntəmˈɪtəntli// in·ter·mit·tent·ly

adv. happening at different times but not in a regular or continuous way. You use this when something starts and stops repeatedly.

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


SIMPLE

It rained intermittently throughout the afternoon.

CONTEXTUAL

The old radio worked only intermittently, often losing the signal just as the news began.

COMPLEX

The lighthouse beam flashed intermittently through the thick fog, providing just enough guidance for the sailors to navigate the treacherous coastline.

Origin

From intermittent + -ly.

Usage

Typically functions as a frequency adverb placed at the end of a clause or before the main verb.

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