elapse
UK[ɪˈlæps]US[ɪˈlæps]
v
(of time) to pass or go by
Morpheme Breakdown
e
lapse
e
out
lapse
slip
Etymology
The word 'elapse' originates from the Latin verb 'elabi', meaning 'to slip away', which is composed of 'e-' (out, away) and 'labi' (to slip, glide). This Latin root 'labi' is traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root leb-, meaning 'to be loose, to slip'. The noun form 'lapsus' (a slip) entered English via the past participle of the Latin verb. Thus, the literal concept of 'slipping away' evolved into the modern abstract meaning of time passing or gliding by unnoticed.
Analysis
Structure: e (out) + lapse (slip)
e: Latin prefix, from 'ex-', meaning 'out, away'.
lapse: From Latin 'lapsus', meaning 'a slip, fall, gliding'. It functions as the core root indicating a slipping or gliding motion.
Examples
Several years had elapsed before they met again.
He didn't notice the time elapsing as he worked.
A significant period elapsed between the initial proposal and the final agreement.