gap

Universal Words 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 / fence / wall * Leave a gap between your car and the next. * There should be a six-inch gap at the bottom. 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. * )BrE( a gap year )= a year between school and university when some students earn money, travel, etc.( 3 a difference that separates people, or their opinions, situation, etc: the gap between rich and poor * the gap between theory and practice seealsoCREDIBILITY, GENERATIONGAP 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 BRIDGEv.