Interim vs. Interval: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Harlon Moss || Updated on November 2, 2023
" Interim is a period between events or a temporary arrangement, like an interim CEO. Interval is a space or gap between things, like the interval between two notes in music."
Key Differences
The word interim refers to a temporary or provisional period between two events. It is often used to describe a transitional or provisional arrangement, such as an interim government or an interim job position. The word is derived from Latin, meaning "in the meantime," and it is used to signify a period of time that fills a gap.
Interval, on the other hand, refers to a space or gap between two objects or events. This word is often used to describe a break or pause in an activity, such as the interval between two musical notes or the interval between two acts of a play. The word is derived from Latin, meaning "between," and it is used to signify a break or pause in time or space.
One key difference between the two words is that interim typically refers to a time period, while interval can refer to both time and space. For example, you might use interim to describe the time between two jobs, while you would use interval to describe the space between two buildings.
Furthermore, interim is often used to describe temporary or provisional arrangements, while interval is more commonly used to describe breaks or pauses. For example, you might refer to an interim CEO as someone who is temporarily filling the role until a permanent CEO can be found, while you would refer to the interval between two scenes in a play as a break or pause for the audience.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Temporary period between events
Space or gap between things
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Usage in time
Yes
Yes
Usage in space
No
Yes
Common phrases
Interim CEO, interim government
Musical interval, time interval
Example sentence
She was the interim CEO.
There was a short interval between acts.
Interim and Interval Definitions
Interim
Temporary period between events.
She served as interim CEO.
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Interval
Space between two objects.
The interval between the buildings was narrow.
Interim
Provisional arrangement.
He was appointed interim manager.
Interval
Gap between events or activities.
There was a short interval between the concerts.
Interim
Filling a gap in time.
The interim period was challenging.
Interval
Range or difference in a sequence.
The interval of temperatures was wide.
Interim
Transitional phase.
During the interim, changes were made.
Interval
Specific amount of time or space.
The interval between meals should be regular.
Interim
In the meantime.
In the interim, keep working hard.
Interval
Pause or break in activity.
We took an interval during the hike.
Interim
An interval of time between one event, process, or period and another.
Interval
A space between objects, points, or units, especially when making uniform amounts of separation
We set up hurdles at intervals of 15 yards around the track.
Interim
Belonging to, serving during, or taking place during an intermediate interval of time; temporary
An interim agreement.
Interval
An amount of time between events, especially of uniform duration separating events in a series
We ran laps at 30-second intervals.
FAQs
Can interim refer to space?
No, interim typically refers to time, not space.
What is an interim CEO?
An interim CEO is a temporary CEO appointed to fill the role until a permanent CEO is found.
What is an interim period?
An interim period is a temporary or provisional time between events.
Can interval refer to time?
Yes, interval can refer to both time and space.
What is a musical interval?
A musical interval is the space or gap between two musical notes.
What does "in the interim" mean?
"In the interim" means during the temporary or provisional period.
What is a time interval?
A time interval is a specific amount of time between two events or activities.
Can interim refer to a gap?
Yes, interim can refer to a temporary or provisional gap in time.
Can interval refer to a range?
Yes, interval can refer to a range or difference in a sequence.
Is interval always related to music?
No, interval can refer to any space or gap, not just in music.
Can interval refer to a sequence?
Yes, interval can refer to a range or difference in a sequence.
What is the difference between interim and provisional?
Interim and provisional are synonyms and can be used interchangeably.
Is interim always related to jobs or positions?
No, interim can refer to any temporary or provisional situation, not just jobs or positions.
Is an interval always short?
No, an interval can be short or long, depending on the context.
What does "in the interval" mean?
"In the interval" means during the break or pause.
Can interim be used to describe a phase?
Yes, interim can be used to describe a transitional or provisional phase.
Can interim be used for permanent situations?
No, interim is used for temporary or provisional situations.
Can interval be used for temporary situations?
Yes, interval can be used to describe a temporary break or pause.
Can interim refer to a break or pause?
No, interim typically refers to a temporary or provisional period, not a break or pause.
What is the difference between an interval and a break?
An interval is a specific amount of time or space, while a break is a pause or rest in activity.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
