meantime ♦︎ interval ♦︎ interim ♦︎ interlude ♦︎ lapseThese are all words for a period of time between two events.这些词均表示时间上的间隔、间隙、间歇。PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS 句型和搭配◆an interval / interlude between A and B◆in the meantime / interim◆a brief interval / interlude / lapse◆a short interval / interlude■meantime ˈmiːntaɪm [singular] (always used in the phrase in the meantime总是用于短语in the meantime) the period of time between two times or events其间◆My first novel was rejected by six publishers. In the meantime I had written a play.我的第一部小说遭到六家出版商的拒绝,其间我又完成了一部戏剧。ⓘ In the meantime is used to talk about what sb did, or what they are going to do while waiting for sth particular to happen. * in the meantime用来表示某人在等待某事发生时做了或打算做某事。■interval [countable] (especiallywritten) a period of time between two events(时间上的)间隔,间隙,间歇◆The interval between major earthquakes might be 200 years.发生大地震的间隔时间可能有200年。◆He knocked on the door and after a brief interval it was opened.他敲了敲门,过了一会儿门开了。ⓘ Interval is usually used when the amount of time between two events is important. Typical collocations are a 15-minute/3-month, etc. interval, or a brief/short interval. It is also common to talk about the interval between two events. * interval通常用于重点在于说明间隔时间有多长的情况。常见搭配用法有a 15-minute/3-month, etc. interval或a brief/short interval;the interval between ...结构也很常见。■interim ˈɪntərɪm [singular] (always used in the phrase in the interim总是用于短语in the interim) (ratherformal, especially business尤用于商业) the period of time between two events其间◆Her new job does not start until May and she will continue in the old job in the interim.她的新工作要到5月才开始,在此之前她将继续原有的工作。ⓘ In the interim is used to talk about what sb did, or what they are going to do while waiting for sth particular to happen. It is more formal than in the meantime and used especially in business contexts. * in the interim用来表示某人在等待某事发生时做了或打算做某事,较in the meantime正式,尤用于商务语境。■interlude ˈɪntəluːd; NAmEˈɪntərluːd [countable] (especiallywritten) a period of time between two events during which sth different happens(两事件之间的)间歇;插入事件◆She knew that their romantic interlude(= short romantic relationship) would soon be drawing to a close.她知道他们短暂的恋爱很快就要走向终点。◆Apart from a brief interlude of peace, the war lasted nine years.除了一段短暂的和平,那场战争持续了九年。ⓘ Interlude is often used to talk about a calm or more peaceful time between two periods of war, or between two busier periods. Typical collocates of interlude are brief, little, musical, peaceful and romantic. * interlude常指两段战争之间或两段较忙碌的时期之间较为平静或和平的间歇期,常见搭配词有brief、little、musical、peaceful和romantic。■lapselæps [countable] a period of time between two events(时间上的)间隔,间隙,间歇◆After a lapse of six months we met up again.相隔六个月之后我们又相遇了。◆He wrote to us after a considerable lapse of time.隔了相当长的一段时间后他才给我们写信。ⓘ In this meaning lapse is almost always used in the pattern a lapse of 3/5/10/20, etc. years, or a (considerable) lapse of time. It is also possible to talk about a time lapse.表达此义时,lapse几乎总是用于a lapse of 3/5/10/20, etc. years或a (considerable) lapse of time等句型;time lapse亦可用。