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Intermission Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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intermission

[ˌɪntərˈmɪʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

theatre

A short break between acts of a play or performance.

Synonyms

break, interval, pause.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intermission

Commonly used in the context of performances or events, particularly referring to theatre, concerts, or movies, where there is a scheduled break in the middle.

  • We decided to get some snacks during the intermission of the play.
  • The intermission lasted for about fifteen minutes.
break

General term used in various contexts to indicate a short rest or interruption from an activity, often used in workplaces and schools.

  • I always take a short break after every hour of studying.
  • Let’s take a break and have some coffee.
interval

Typically used in the context of scientific or mathematical fields to refer to the space or time between events. It can also be used in performance arts similar to 'intermission' but is more common in British English.

  • The interval between the two experiments was ten minutes.
  • During the interval, the audience members stretched their legs.
pause

Often used to indicate a brief stop or hesitation in speech, movement, or activity. This can be used in both everyday and technical contexts.

  • He took a pause before answering the difficult question.
  • Please pause the video while I get a snack.

Examples of usage

  • The audience took a break during the intermission.
  • During the intermission, the actors prepared for the next act.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A temporary pause or break.

Synonyms

break, interval, pause.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
intermission

Commonly used in the context of theater, cinema, or live performances to refer to a brief pause between parts of the performance.

  • The first act was great! I can't wait to see what happens after the intermission.
  • There will be a 15-minute intermission before the next act.
break

Typically used in informal settings like school or work to refer to a short period of rest.

  • Let's take a break and grab some coffee.
  • We have a 10-minute break between classes.
pause

Refers to a temporary stop or rest in speech, activity, or motion. Can also be used in remote control devices for media.

  • She took a long pause before answering the question.
  • Please pause the movie; I need to answer the door.
interval

Used mainly in British English in the context of theater or concerts, similar to 'intermission'. Also used in academic or technical contexts to refer to the time between events.

  • The interval between the two sessions is only 5 minutes.
  • During the interval, you can enjoy refreshments in the lobby.

Examples of usage

  • We will resume the meeting after a short intermission.
  • Let's have an intermission before we continue the game.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Theater

  • Intermissions allow audiences to refresh and relax, enhancing their overall viewing experience.
  • Some theaters schedule intermissions at a natural break in the storyline, often around 90 minutes into a show.

Cinema

  • In the early days of film, intermissions were common in longer movies to allow viewers to rest and buy snacks.
  • Some film festivals still include intermissions to give audiences a breather.

Cultural Practices

  • In some cultures, almost all theatrical performances have intermissions, while others prefer uninterrupted shows.
  • Live concerts often include intermissions for band members to rest and the audience to socialize.

Psychology

  • Taking breaks, like intermissions, is known to boost concentration and information retention when consuming media.
  • Studies show that short breaks can improve overall mood and engagement, making experiences more enjoyable.

Origin of 'intermission'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'intermissio', meaning 'a sending between' or 'a break'.
  • It was first used in English around the late 16th century relating to plays.

The word 'intermission' originated in the late 18th century from the Latin word 'intermissio', which means 'interruption' or 'pause'. It has been used in the context of theatre and general pauses to signify a temporary break in an ongoing activity.

See also: missionary, missioner, missions.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,030, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.