intermission
/ˌɪntəˈmɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · [ˌɪntɚmˈɪʃən] /ˌɪntərˈmɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · [ˌɪntɚmˈɪʃən] /ˌin-tər-ˈmi-shən How to pronounce intermission (audio)/ (ame, mw)
intermission — noun
- intermissionsingular
- intermissionsplural
1. a planned pause that separates one part of a performance from the next.
a planned pause that separates one part of a performance from the next.
During the intermission, Yuna bought tea and checked her phone.
during the intermission at a show
The audience returned to their seats before the intermission ended.
At intermission, Tariq stretched his legs in the theater lobby.
Families lined up for popcorn as the intermission began.
- continuation
focuses on the show starting again instead of pausing
用法筆記
Usually names a planned break in entertainment, especially in theaters and concert halls. British English often uses interval for the same situation.
2. a mid-game pause that lets athletes recover and gives spectators time to move ar
a mid-game pause that lets athletes recover and gives spectators time to move around.
During the intermission, the coach drew a new play on the board.
intermission during a sports game
Fans rushed for noodles during intermission before the second half began.
Arjun used the intermission to tape his ankle and drink water.
The intermission gave Jason time to wipe sweat from his face.
- play
the active part of the game instead of the break
用法筆記
Used for sports contests rather than concerts or plays. It often overlaps with half-time, especially when the break comes in the middle of a match.
3. an interval when an activity, process, or service stops for a time and then star
an interval when an activity, process, or service stops for a time and then starts again.
After a six-month intermission, the road work started again on Monday.
intermission before something resumes
The talks resumed after an intermission caused by the power cut.
Our online lessons had a winter intermission while the teacher moved house.
Dahlia welcomed the quiet intermission before the factory reopened.
- continuation
emphasizes the activity going on without a gap
用法筆記
Often describes a gap in a process, service, or schedule rather than a formal break in a show. It suggests that the activity will continue later.
4. the temporary stopping of work, service, or another organized activity.
the temporary stopping of work, service, or another organized activity.
The contract allows intermission of service during dangerous weather.
formal pattern: intermission of service
Doctors advised intermission of training until Sahil's knee healed.
Repeated intermission of factory work raised costs for nearby shops.
The storm forced intermission of ferry trips across the bay.
- suspension
more usual formal word in official writing
- cessation
suggests a fuller stop, often for longer
- resumption
focuses on activity starting again after the stop
用法筆記
Mostly formal and much less common than pause or suspension. It often appears in phrases like intermission of service or intermission of work.