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Frequent vs Intermittent - What's the difference?

frequent | intermittent |

As adjectives the difference between frequent and intermittent

is that frequent is done or occurring often; common while intermittent is stopping and starting at intervals; coming after a particular time span; not steady or constant.

As a verb frequent

is to visit often.

As a noun intermittent is

an intermittent fever or disease.

frequent

English

Etymology 1

From (etyl) frequent, from (etyl) .Schwartzman, The Words of Mathematics: An Etymological Dictionary of Mathematical Terms Used in English

Adjective

  • Done or occurring often; common.
    • I take frequent breaks so I don't get too tired.
    There are frequent trains to the beach available.
    I am a frequent visitor to that city.
  • Occurring at short intervals.
  • * Byron
    • frequent feudal towers
  • Addicted to any course of conduct; inclined to indulge in any practice; habitual; persistent.
  • * Jonathan Swift
    • He has been loud and frequent in declaring himself hearty for the government.
  • (obsolete) Full; crowded; thronged.
  • * Ben Jonson
    • 'Tis Caesar's will to have a frequent senate.
  • (obsolete) Often or commonly reported.
  • * Massinger
    • 'Tis frequent in the city he hath subdued / The Catti and the Daci.
    Related terms
    * frequency * frequently * infrequent * frequently asked question (FAQ)

    Etymology 2

    From (etyl) frequenter, from (etyl)

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To visit often.
    • I used to frequent that restaurant.
    Derived terms
    * frequenter

    External links

    * * English heteronyms ----

    intermittent

    English

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Stopping and starting at intervals; coming after a particular time span; not steady or constant
    • The day was cloudy with intermittent rain.
    Intermittent bugs are most difficult to reproduce.
  • (specifically, geology, of a body of water) Existing only for certain seasons; that is, being dry for part of the year.
    • The area has many intermittent lakes and streams.

    Derived terms

    * intermittently

    Related terms

    * inter * inter- * intermittence * intermittency

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • (medicine, dated) An intermittent fever or disease.
    • (Dunglison)
    ----