generation gap: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Common (Mid-frequency, B2 level)Neutral to Formal; used in both casual and academic contexts.
Quick answer
What does “generation gap” mean?
The differences in opinions, behaviors, and values between younger and older generations.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The differences in opinions, behaviors, and values between younger and older generations.
Refers to the cultural, social, or ideological distance between generations, often leading to misunderstandings or conflicts, and is a common topic in sociology, psychology, and everyday discourse.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or grammatical differences; the term is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both, though may be slightly more prevalent in American media discussions.
Frequency
Equally common in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “generation gap” in a Sentence
[the] generation gap between [noun phrase] and [noun phrase][adjective] generation gapgeneration gap in [noun phrase]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to differences in work ethics, communication styles, or technology use between younger and older employees.
Academic
Studied in sociology and psychology as a factor in social change and family dynamics.
Everyday
Used in conversations about family, music, fashion, or technology preferences between generations.
Technical
In social sciences, it denotes measurable disparities in attitudes or behaviors across age cohorts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “generation gap”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “generation gap”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “generation gap”
- Using 'generational gap' interchangeably; both are correct, but 'generation gap' is more common. Incorrect pluralization: 'generations gap' instead of 'generation gap'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
Yes, it often describes differences in work styles or technology use between age groups in the workplace.
It became popular in the 1960s during cultural shifts, but the concept has existed for centuries.
Example: 'The generation gap between baby boomers and millennials is evident in their approach to social media.'
The differences in opinions, behaviors, and values between younger and older generations.
Generation gap: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdʒen.əˈreɪ.ʃən ɡæp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdʒen.əˈreɪ.ʃən ɡæp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bridge the gap”
- “the old versus the new”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'gap' between two 'generations' like a valley separating two hills representing old and young.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PHYSICAL GAP or DIVIDE, representing distance and separation.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'generation gap' typically refer to?