/ gæp; NAmE / noun gap (in / between sth)
1.
a space between two things or in the middle of sth, especially because there is a part missing :
a gap in a hedge
Leave a gap between your car and the next.
2.
a period of time when sth stops, or between two events :
a gap in the conversation
They met again after a gap of twenty years.
There's a big age gap between them (= a big difference in their ages).
3.
a difference that separates people, or their opinions, situation, etc. :
the gap between rich and poor
the gap between theory and practice
—see also credibility , generation gap
4.
a space where sth is missing :
His death left an enormous gap in my life.
There were several gaps in my education.
We think we've identified a gap in the market (= a business opportunity to make or sell sth that is not yet available) .
•
IDIOMS
see bridge verb
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old Norse , chasm; related to gape .