lapso
“lapso” means “period of time” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
period of time
Also: interval, lapse
📝 In Action
En un lapso de diez minutos, terminamos el trabajo.
A2In a ten-minute period, we finished the work.
Hubo un breve lapso de silencio en la habitación.
B1There was a brief interval of silence in the room.
El contrato se renovará tras un lapso de seis meses.
B2The contract will be renewed after a six-month period.
slip
Also: lapse, oversight
📝 In Action
Fue un pequeño lapso mental.
B1It was a small mental slip.
Tuvo un lapso de memoria durante el examen.
B2He had a memory lapse during the exam.
Perdona mi lapso, olvidé mencionarlo.
C1Forgive my oversight, I forgot to mention it.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: lapso
Question 1 of 3
Which phrase correctly describes a moment where you forget something temporarily?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'lapsus', which means 'a sliding, falling, or a slip'. It shares the same root as the English word 'lapse'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'lapso de tiempo' redundant?
Technically, yes, because 'lapso' implies time. However, it is extremely common and perfectly acceptable in everyday conversation.
What is the difference between 'lapso' and 'periodo'?
A 'periodo' is usually a more formal, defined length of time, while 'lapso' often emphasizes the space or gap between two specific moments.
Can I use 'lapso' to mean a physical slide or fall?
No. While its Latin origin means 'to slide,' in modern Spanish it only refers to time or mental mistakes.