The phrase "at irregular intervals" means something happens at inconsistent or unpredictable times. The word "irregular" contains five syllables: /ɪˈrɛɡjʊlər/. The first syllable is pronounced "ih" as in "sit." The second syllable is pronounced "REH," like the word "bed." The third syllable is pronounced "yuh," like the word "up." The fourth syllable is pronounced "lur," with a slight "r" sound. The final syllable is pronounced "uh," like the word "a."
The term "at irregular intervals" refers to a sporadic or unpredictable occurrence of an event or action without adhering to a consistent pattern of timing or spacing. It denotes the absence of a fixed or regular interval between instances, making it difficult to determine when the next occurrence will transpire.
When something happens at irregular intervals, it implies that the occurrences are scattered randomly or unpredictably throughout time, rather than following a set schedule. This can apply to a wide range of activities or phenomena, including but not limited to natural processes, human behaviors, or occurrences in various systems.
For instance, if a train departs at irregular intervals, it means that it does not adhere to a specific timetable, and its departure times fluctuate randomly. Similarly, a series of earthquakes occurring at irregular intervals suggests that they do not follow a predictable rhythm or spatial distribution, making it challenging to anticipate future events accurately.
The expression "at irregular intervals" highlights the lack of a regular, predictable pattern, and instead emphasizes the inconsistency or variability of an event's timing. It implies that occurrences may be spaced widely apart or clustered closely together, making it challenging to anticipate and prepare for them.