What does intermitting mean?
The verb intermitting, like its parent form intermit, describes activity that repeatedly begins, stops, and resumes rather than proceeding without a break. It is especially natural for events such as rain, storms, pain, efforts, or attention, although it is more literary and less everyday than the adjective intermittent. In a sentence, intermitting can work as the present participle of a verb, as in “The storm intermitted until dawn,” or as a participial adjective, as in “his intermitting efforts.” The word can imply that a stoppage is temporary and that the underlying activity or condition returns. Its rhythm gives it a formal, slightly elevated tone and makes it useful when the repeated pauses themselves are important. Although uncommon in casual speech, it is precise for describing recurrent interruption without suggesting that the process has ended permanently.
To stop temporarily and then begin again, especially at intervals.
"The rain intermitted shortly before noon."
The verb is often used intransitively with weather, symptoms, events, and other processes that recur after temporary pauses.
Occurring at intervals rather than continuously.
"His intermitting progress was finally sustained by stronger motivation."
This participial use is more formal and literary than the adjective intermittent.
From a Latin ancestor meaning “to send between,” intermitting carries the image of an activity repeatedly held in suspension before it resumes.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intermitting come from?
The English verb derives from Latin intermittere, formed from inter- (“between”) and mittere (“send”), with an early sense of sending or putting between. Latin developed related meanings involving delay, interruption, and leaving a gap, from which the modern idea of recurring pauses developed. Other English words associated with the same Latin roots include intermittent, interval, interrupt, and admit.
Related word forms
How intermitting is actually used
Intermitting is more formal and literary than the common adjective intermittent. It often implies that an interruption is temporary and that the underlying activity or condition subsequently returns.
Easily confused with intermitting
Intermitting means repeatedly stopping and resuming, whereas intermediate means being between two stages, positions, or points.
Intermittent is the standard adjective, while intermitting is chiefly the present participle of intermit and is also used as a participial adjective.