elapse
To pass or go by (referring to time)
Examples
In a meeting
“Six months elapsed before we received approval from the regulatory committee.”
Over coffee
“I can't believe a whole year has elapsed since we moved into this house.”
Why this word
pass
Elapse specifically refers to time passing or an interval expiring, while pass is general movement or progression
go by
Elapse is formal term for time intervals passing, often measured periods, while go by is casual expression for time passing
expire
Elapse means the passage of a time period, while expire means reaching the end of a validity period or deadline
Usage tip
More formal than 'pass'; use when emphasizing the measurement of time duration.
Etymology
Latin elapsus from e- (out) + labi (to slip, glide)
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Related words
subsequent
Coming after something in time or order.
perpetual
Never ending or changing; occurring continuously.
defer
To postpone something to a later time, or to yield to someone else's judgment.
tenure
The period of time someone holds a position or office
retroactive
Taking effect from a date in the past rather than from the present
protract
To extend or prolong something in time