simple interval: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1technical/academic
Quick answer
What does “simple interval” mean?
A duration of time that is uncomplicated, uninterrupted, and without division into smaller parts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A duration of time that is uncomplicated, uninterrupted, and without division into smaller parts.
In music theory, a distance between two pitches measured in whole steps and half steps, not a compound interval. In mathematics, an interval on the real number line that is not a union of disjoint intervals.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in technical meaning. UK usage may show a slight preference for 'plain interval' in older mathematical texts, but 'simple interval' is standard.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both variants.
Frequency
Low frequency in general language, confined to technical domains. Slightly higher frequency in US music pedagogy.
Grammar
How to Use “simple interval” in a Sentence
[simple interval] + [of + NOUN (time/pitches)][Verb +] + [simple interval]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “simple interval” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The analysis will simple-interval the data points into distinct groups.
American English
- The software can simple-interval the pitch classes for the exercise.
adjective
British English
- The simple-interval classification is foundational.
- He prefers a simple-interval approach to measurement.
American English
- The simple-interval analysis yielded clear results.
- We need a simple-interval time frame for the test.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in project planning: 'The task was completed in a simple interval of three working days.'
Academic
Primary context. Music: 'A simple interval is less than an octave.' Mathematics: 'A simple interval is a connected subset of the real line.'
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used literally: 'We chatted for a simple interval of ten minutes before the meeting.'
Technical
Standard, precise usage in music theory, mathematics, and statistics.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “simple interval”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “simple interval”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “simple interval”
- Using 'simple interval' to mean 'a short time'.
- Confusing 'simple' (uncompounded) with 'easy'.
- Capitalising it as a proper noun.
- Using it without the necessary technical context, leading to vagueness.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Simple' refers to structure, not duration. A simple interval of 100 years is possible; it means an uninterrupted span of that length.
A compound interval. Compound intervals are larger than an octave and can be analyzed as a simple interval plus one or more octaves.
It is highly unusual and may sound overly technical or affected. Phrases like 'a short break', 'a brief period', or 'a bit of time' are more natural.
Look at the domain or range in question. If it can be represented as a single continuous segment (e.g., all numbers x such that 0 < x < 5), it is a simple interval. If it is two separate segments (e.g., x < 0 or x > 5), it is not simple.
Simple interval is usually technical/academic in register.
Simple interval: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɪmpl ˈɪn.tə.vəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɪmpl ˈɪn.t̬ɚ.vəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SIMPLEton who can't handle COMPLEX things. A SIMPLE interval is just one, basic span, not a compound of several.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPACE AS TIME / MUSICAL DISTANCE (The interval is a container or a measurable gap).
Practice
Quiz
In a mathematical context, which of the following best describes a 'simple interval'?