Interlude Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Theatrical History

• In medieval times, interludes were comedic performances aimed at entertaining the audience during long theatrical events.
• Renowned playwrights, such as Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare, incorporated interludes to add variety and keep the audience engaged.
• The structure of modern plays often includes interludes to provide emotional breathing space before the next act.

Music

• In musical compositions, interludes provide transitions between different sections, helping to maintain the flow of the piece.
• Famous artists, like Elton John and Pink Floyd, have used interludes in their albums to create a break or shift in the narrative.
• An interlude can be purely instrumental or feature vocals, serving to enhance the overall listening experience.

Film and Television

• Interludes in movies often serve as comic relief or dramatic pauses, allowing viewers to process the plot's twists and turns.
• Television shows sometimes use interludes in the form of commercials or scene transitions to keep the audience engaged.
• Directors might employ visual or auditory interludes to signify changes in mood or time.

Psychology

• Studies show that taking short breaks, like interludes, can improve focus and creativity, allowing our brains to reset.
• Momentary pauses during intense work help reduce cognitive load and can lead to better problem solving.
• The concept of interludes aligns with concepts of mindfulness that encourage reflection and awareness.

Main points about word origin

• The word comes from the Latin 'interludere,' which means 'to play between.'
• It appeared in English during the 15th century as a term for a short play performed between the acts of longer plays.
• Originally used to describe musical intermissions, it transformed over time into a broader performance term.

The word 'interlude' originated from the Latin word 'interludium', which is a combination of 'inter' meaning 'between' and 'ludus' meaning 'play'. It was first used in English in the late 16th century. Originally, an interlude referred to a short entertainment between the acts of a play. Over time, the meaning expanded to include any short break or pause in activity, as well as a musical piece played between main sections of a longer piece. Today, 'interlude' is commonly used in music, literature, and general contexts to signify a brief interruption or intermission.

See also: disinter, disinterring, inter, interact, interim, interject, interment, interval.

Positioned at #20,109, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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