What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hiatus
Example
The TV show is going on hiatus for a few months. [hiatus: noun]
Example
After the company's bankruptcy, there was a hiatus in production. [hiatus: verb]
lapse
Example
I had a lapse in judgment and said something I shouldn't have. [lapse: noun]
Example
She let her gym membership lapse and hasn't worked out in months. [lapse: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lapse is more commonly used than hiatus in everyday language. Lapse is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while hiatus is less common and often used in more formal or academic settings.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between hiatus and lapse?
While hiatus is typically associated with a formal or academic tone, lapse is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.