Elapse-Lapse | Commonly Confused Words

Elapse

/ɪˈlæps/

To pass or slip away in the context of time, usually without notice.

Several hours would elapse before help arrived.A minute seemed to elapse in slow motion.Five years may elapse between updates.

/læps/

A temporary failure or mistake, or the passage of time.

The contract will lapse at midnight if not renewed.Her gym membership will lapse next month.Memories of the event began to lapse as years passed.

Lapse often indicates a slip or error, while elapse refers to the passing of time.
Remember that lapse can sometimes imply a loss of concentration, whereas elapse is about time itself.
Elapse is usually used with time markers like years, months, or hours, whereas lapse may refer to a temporary failure.
Think of a lapse as something breaking or going awry, while elapse is neutral and merely descriptive.
To avoid confusion, associate elapse with duration, and lapse with mistakes or interruptions.