lapse

Everyday

1. A small mistake or failure, often caused by not paying attention: a lapse of memory. tree →
2. A short time that passes between two events: after a lapse of a few minutes. tree →
3. (verb) To stop being valid because it was not renewed: my library card lapsed. tree →
4. (verb) To slowly fall into a worse state or into silence: he lapsed into silence. tree →
5. (verb) To stop doing something you used to do, such as a habit or practice. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life it often describes forgetting or a slip in concentration («a lapse in concentration», «a memory lapse»). In safety talk a «lapse in safety» can cause accidents. In formal writing a membership or insurance «lapses» if it is not paid. In stories characters «lapse into silence» or «lapse back into old habits». Phrases: a lapse of memory, a lapse in judgement, lapse into.

Examples

• I had a lapse of memory and forgot my PE kit. tree →
• One lapse in concentration and the goalkeeper let the ball in. tree →
• After a lapse of ten minutes, the bell rang again. tree →
• Dad let his gym membership lapse because he never went. tree →
• The room lapsed into silence when the head teacher walked in. tree →
• It was just a lapse; she is usually very careful. tree →
• A lapse in safety at the pool can be dangerous. tree →
• His passport had lapsed, so he needed a new one. tree →
• One day, after the lapse of many years, he met Angelo, who recognized him. tree →

Note

Countable noun: a lapse, lapses. Verb past: lapsed. Do not confuse with «elapse» (time passes: «ten minutes elapsed») or «collapse» (fall down). «Lapse» is a fairly formal word; in casual talk people say «slip» or «I forgot».

In Jewish tradition

In everyday life it often describes forgetting or a slip in concentration («a lapse in concentration», «a memory lapse»). In safety talk a «lapse in safety» can cause accidents. In formal writing a membership or insurance «lapses» if it is not paid. In stories characters «lapse into silence» or «lapse back into old habits». Phrases: a lapse of memory, a lapse in judgement, lapse into.

Examples

• And after a lapse of years he went down to Ahab to Samaria. (Writings 2CH.18.2, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Countable noun: a lapse, lapses. Verb past: lapsed. Do not confuse with «elapse» (time passes: «ten minutes elapsed») or «collapse» (fall down). «Lapse» is a fairly formal word; in casual talk people say «slip» or «I forgot».