lapse
Definitions
A small failure or temporary slip, especially of memory, attention, or judgment.
（记忆、注意力、判断上的）小失误，疏忽，断片。
An interval of passing time.
（时间的）间隔，流逝。
To gradually fail, end, or become invalid; to slip into a particular (often worse) state.
（逐渐）失效、终止；陷入（某种、常为更糟的）状态。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin lapsus, 'a slip.' With no prefix, lapse is the bare act of slipping. It splits into two everyday meanings: slipping off a standard (a lapse of memory, a lapse in judgment) and slipping out of force (an insurance policy lapses, time lapses).
Root laps still carries 3 more wordsWhy It Means This
The two senses of lapse — a slip-up and a stretch of time — both come from the same image of quiet sliding. A 'lapse of memory' is a moment your attention slid off; when a policy 'lapses' it has slid out of effect because no one renewed it; 'after a lapse of ten years' is time that has quietly slid by. Once you see the slide, all the senses connect.
Common Collocations
- 1.a lapse of memory记忆断片
- 2.a lapse in judgment判断失误
- 3.a lapse in concentration注意力疏忽
- 4.lapse into silence陷入沉默
- 5.the policy lapsed保单失效
Example Sentences
- 1.
A brief lapse in concentration cost the driver dearly.
- 2.
His insurance policy lapsed because he forgot to pay.
- 3.
After a lapse of several years, they finally met again.
- 4.
She lapsed into silence and stared out the window.
Easily Confused
lapse vs collapse — They look related but aren't the same idea. collapse (col- + lapse) is a total fall or breakdown (the bridge collapsed). lapse is a small, quiet slip (a lapse of memory). A lapse is minor; a collapse is catastrophic.
Synonym Comparison
- lapse — a quiet, often unintentional slip from a standard
- error — a general mistake, any kind of wrong
- oversight — a failure to notice or include something
- slip — a casual, minor mistake, very close to lapse
- gap — an empty interval, only overlaps with the 'passage of time' sense