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Pausing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pausing

[ˈpɔːzɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

in conversation

Pausing means to stop speaking or doing something for a short period of time before continuing.

Synonyms

delay, halt, hesitate, wait.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
halt

When something is brought to a complete stop, often used in more formal or serious contexts such as operations, movements, or machinery.

  • The police halted the traffic to let the parade pass.
  • Production has been halted due to a technical issue.
delay

When something is intentionally or unintentionally prevented from starting or continuing at the expected time. Often used for events, transport, or processes.

  • The flight was delayed due to bad weather.
  • We need to delay the meeting until tomorrow.
hesitate

When someone stops briefly before doing something, often due to uncertainty or nervousness. This can have a negative connotation of indecisiveness.

  • She hesitated before giving her response.
  • Don't hesitate to ask if you have any questions.
wait

When time is spent expecting something to happen in the near future, often used in daily life situations such as at lines, appointments, or for someone to arrive.

  • We'll wait here until the bus arrives.
  • Please wait a moment while I fetch your order.

Examples of usage

  • She paused for a moment before answering the question.
  • He paused to catch his breath during the run.
Context #2 | Noun

in music or drama

Pausing is a temporary stop or break in the rhythm or action of a piece.

Synonyms

break, intermission, interval, rest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pausing

Used when temporarily stopping an activity or conversation for a short time.

  • She kept pausing during her speech to catch her breath
break

Appropriate for a short period of rest or relaxation during work or another activity.

  • Let's take a five-minute break
intermission

Usually used in the context of performance arts, such as theater or concerts, referring to a short break between acts or parts.

  • There will be a 15-minute intermission after the first act
interval

Can be used in the context of time gaps between events, often in performances or regular meetings.

  • The interval between meetings was only ten minutes
rest

Commonly used when referring to a longer or more comprehensive period of relaxation and recovery, often after exertion.

  • After a long hike, they decided to rest for a while

Examples of usage

  • The music had a dramatic pause before the final crescendo.
  • The actor's pause after the punchline added to the comedic effect.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Taking a pause can help reduce anxiety by allowing individuals to gather their thoughts before responding.
  • Studies show that people who pause before answering questions tend to provide more thoughtful and considered responses.
  • Pausing in conversations can improve communication by giving others space to share their ideas.

Literature

  • Writers often use pauses in dialogue to create tension or emphasize a character's feelings.
  • In poetry, pauses can enhance rhythm and help convey emotions, making each word more impactful.
  • Famous authors have used paragraph breaks and ellipses strategically to indicate a pause in thought or narrative.

Technology

  • In programming, a pause in code execution can help debug or allow a smooth user interface experience.
  • Video games often include a 'pause' feature to let players take breaks without losing their progress.
  • Streaming services use pause options for users to stop and resume content at their convenience.

Cultural Practices

  • In many meditation practices, pausing between breaths is essential for mindfulness and self-awareness.
  • In some cultures, a pause in conversation is seen as a sign of respect, allowing the listener to process information.
  • Musical traditions involve pauses to enhance the emotional expression of a piece, giving the audience time to reflect.

Health and Well-Being

  • Physicians recommend taking short pauses during work to reduce fatigue and increase productivity.
  • Mindfulness techniques often emphasize the importance of pausing to check in with one's emotions and surroundings.
  • Taking a few moments to pause during sleep routines can improve sleep hygiene, leading to better rest.

Origin of 'pausing'

The word 'pausing' originates from the Old French word 'pauser', which means 'to rest'. Over time, it evolved into the Middle English word 'pausen'. The concept of pausing has always been integral to human communication and performance, allowing for emphasis, reflection, and rhythm.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,638, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.