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Definition of elapse

elapse

/ɪˈlæps/
e · lapse
Adjective:elapsed
•
Past Simple:elapsed
•
Past Participle:elapsed
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Present Participle:elapsing
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elapse Lexical Profile

elapse Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To pass or go by (of time).

Example

"Several weeks elapsed before the committee finally announced the results of the investigation."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for elapse

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'elapse' with 'lapse'; 'elapse' refers strictly to the neutral passing of time, whereas 'lapse' means to expire, become invalid, or fall into a lower state.

• Rhymes for elapse

• Nearby Words

elakala
elan
eland
elapse
elastane
elastic
elastically

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Latin elapsus, the past participle of elabi ('to slip away' or 'to glide out'), formed from ex- ('out') and labi ('to glide' or 'to slip').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Elapse. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/elapse
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