Pronunciation: /ɪˈlæps/

Definitions of elapse

noun the passage of time

Example Sentences

A1 The elapse of time was noticeable as the sun began to set.

A2 The elapse of the school day seemed to drag on forever.

B1 The elapse of the meeting was marked by the ticking of the clock on the wall.

B2 The elapse of the project deadline caused stress among the team members.

C1 The elapse of the season brought about changes in the landscape.

C2 The elapse of the century was marked by significant technological advancements.

verb to pass or go by (said of time)

Example Sentences

A1 Time elapses quickly when you're having fun.

A2 It elapses a lot of time to finish this puzzle.

B1 The meeting elapses in just one hour.

B2 She didn't realize how much time had elapsed since she started working on the project.

C1 The hours seemed to elapse slowly as they waited for the test results.

C2 As the years elapse, we often reflect on how much we have changed.

Examples of elapse in a Sentence

formal The time continued to elapse as we waited for the test results.

informal I didn't realize how quickly the time would elapse while we were chatting.

slang We were having so much fun that I didn't notice the time elapse.

figurative As we grow older, we become more aware of how quickly time can elapse.

Grammatical Forms of elapse

past tense

elapsed

plural

elapses

comparative

more elapse

superlative

most elapse

present tense

elapses

future tense

will elapse

perfect tense

has elapsed

continuous tense

is elapsing

singular

elapse

positive degree

elapse

infinitive

elapse

gerund

elapsing

participle

elapsed

Origin and Evolution of elapse

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'elapse' originated from the Latin word 'elapsus', which means 'slipped away or passed'.
Evolution of the word: Over time, 'elapse' has retained its original meaning of time passing or slipping away, and is commonly used in the context of time intervals or durations.