Half-time Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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half-time
[ˈhɑːfˌtaɪm ]
Definitions
sports
A period of rest or break between two halves of a game, typically lasting around 15-20 minutes. It allows players to recharge and coaches to adjust strategies.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| half-time |
Used mainly in sports, especially in football (soccer) and American football. It refers to the break between the two halves of a match.
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| intermission |
Commonly used in the context of theater, opera, and other live performances to describe the break between acts or parts of the performance.
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| interval |
Used mainly in British English to describe the break between parts of a performance, like a play or a concert. It can also refer to a break in other contexts, such as meetings or training sessions.
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Examples of usage
- The players went to the locker room during half-time.
- During half-time, the coach gave a motivational speech to the team.
workplace
A break in the middle of a workday, usually lasting from 30 minutes to an hour. Employees can use this time to relax, eat lunch, or run errands.
Synonyms
lunch break, midday break.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| half-time |
This can also refer to a break in the middle of a work shift, especially in jobs where shifts are long, but it is less commonly used in this manner.
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| lunch break |
This is widely used in a work or school setting to describe the time allocated for eating lunch, typically around the middle of the day.
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| midday break |
This is a more formal or neutral term for a break around noon, and can refer to any mid-day pause in activities, not necessarily connected to eating lunch.
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Examples of usage
- I always take my lunch break during half-time at work.
- During half-time, I like to go for a walk to clear my mind.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Sports
- In sports like soccer and American football, half-time usually lasts around 15 to 30 minutes, giving players time to rest and strategize.
- Half-time shows during sports events often feature musical performances, which can attract non-sports fans and boost entertainment value.
Cultural Significance
- For many, half-time is as much about socializing, enjoying snacks, and commercials as it is about the game, especially during events like the Super Bowl.
- In various cultures, significant events and rituals take place during half-time, making it not just a pause but an integration of entertainment and community.
Psychology
- Studies suggest that breaks like half-time can improve focus and performance by giving players a mental reset and the opportunity to discuss strategies.
- Taking breaks is essential for maintaining motivation and preventing burnout, which is crucial in high-pressure sports.
Literature & Media
- Half-time scenes often appear in novels and films, signifying pivotal moments when characters reflect on their journey.
- Some TV shows and movies jokingly depict half-time analysis with exaggerated commentators, emphasizing its role in societal entertainment.
Origin of 'half-time'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'half-time' originates from the combination of 'half' meaning fifty percent and 'time' referring to a duration of activity.
- In early sports, the concept of a break wasn't formalized until the 19th century, when games became more structured.
The term 'half-time' originated in the world of sports, specifically referring to the break between two halves of a game. Over time, it has been adopted in other contexts, such as the workplace, to signify a break or intermission in an activity. The concept of 'half-time' emphasizes the importance of taking a pause to rest, recharge, and regroup before continuing with the next phase of an event or task.