interlude 🔊
Meaning of interlude
An intervening period of time or an event that breaks the continuity of something, often providing a pause or distraction.
Key Difference
An interlude is typically a short, intentional break or diversion, whereas synonyms like 'interval' or 'pause' may imply a more neutral or passive gap.
Example of interlude
- The concert featured a musical interlude where the band played a soothing instrumental piece.
- After hours of intense debate, the committee took a brief interlude for refreshments.
Synonyms
interval 🔊
Meaning of interval
A distinct period of time between events or activities.
Key Difference
An interval is often a scheduled or expected gap, while an interlude is more of an inserted break.
Example of interval
- There was a fifteen-minute interval between the two acts of the play.
- The train arrives at half-hour intervals during peak times.
pause 🔊
Meaning of pause
A temporary stop or rest, especially in speech or action.
Key Difference
A pause is typically brief and often involuntary, whereas an interlude is planned and may be longer.
Example of pause
- She took a pause to collect her thoughts before continuing her speech.
- The video game automatically enters a pause mode when the controller is disconnected.
respite 🔊
Meaning of respite
A short period of relief or rest from something difficult or unpleasant.
Key Difference
A respite implies relief from stress, while an interlude may simply be a break without negative connotations.
Example of respite
- The ceasefire provided a much-needed respite for the war-torn region.
- A weekend getaway offered a respite from her hectic work schedule.
hiatus 🔊
Meaning of hiatus
A pause or gap in a sequence, series, or process.
Key Difference
A hiatus is often a longer, more formal break, while an interlude is shorter and more casual.
Example of hiatus
- The TV show went on a six-month hiatus before returning for its next season.
- After his injury, the athlete took a hiatus from professional sports.
intermission 🔊
Meaning of intermission
A break between parts of a performance or event.
Key Difference
An intermission is usually structured and expected, whereas an interlude can be more spontaneous.
Example of intermission
- During the intermission, the audience stretched their legs and bought snacks.
- The opera had a twenty-minute intermission after the first act.
lull 🔊
Meaning of lull
A temporary calm or quiet period.
Key Difference
A lull is often passive and natural, while an interlude is an intentional insertion.
Example of lull
- There was a lull in the conversation as everyone focused on their meals.
- The storm had a brief lull before intensifying again.
break 🔊
Meaning of break
A pause in work or activity for rest or relaxation.
Key Difference
A break is general and can be of any length, while an interlude is more specific and often artistic or purposeful.
Example of break
- Employees are entitled to a fifteen-minute break after four hours of work.
- Let’s take a break and continue this discussion later.
recess 🔊
Meaning of recess
A temporary cessation of work or proceedings.
Key Difference
Recess is often formal (e.g., in schools or courts), while an interlude is more flexible.
Example of recess
- The judge called for a recess to review the new evidence.
- Children played outside during the school’s afternoon recess.
breather 🔊
Meaning of breather
A short rest or break from exertion.
Key Difference
A breather is informal and often physical, while an interlude can be abstract or artistic.
Example of breather
- After climbing the steep hill, they stopped to take a breather.
- I need a quick breather before tackling the next task.
Conclusion
- An interlude is a purposeful, often creative break that enhances continuity rather than just interrupting it.
- Interval works best when referring to scheduled gaps, such as in events or transportation.
- Pause is ideal for brief, often involuntary stops in speech or action.
- Respite should be used when emphasizing relief from stress or difficulty.
- Hiatus fits for longer, formal breaks, especially in professional or artistic contexts.
- Intermission is perfect for structured breaks in performances or shows.
- Lull describes natural, quiet periods in activity or conversation.
- Break is a versatile term for any pause in work or routine.
- Recess is best for formal pauses in institutions like schools or courts.
- Breather is a casual term for short physical rests.