Which definition best describes 'intermittent'?

• A. Happen at irregular intervals.
• B. Not steady.
• C. Stopping and starting.
• D. Occurring regularly.

Answer: (A)

Intermittent describes something that does not happen continuously, but occurs in fits and starts with pauses in between. The best choice captures that idea by saying it happens at irregular intervals, meaning there isn’t a steady, predictable rhythm. Saying it’s not steady is close but vague, and stopping and starting suggests a pattern of pauses without specifying the irregular timing. Occurring regularly is opposite of intermittent, as it implies a fixed, predictable schedule. For example, intermittent rain comes in bursts with breaks rather than pouring all the time.