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0 English - Dictionary monolingual

Pause

pɔz
Very common
~ 2400
~ 2400, Very common
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
a temporary stop or break in action, to hesitate or delay in speech or action, a musical note or symbol indicating a brief silence or break in sound

Pause - Meanings

a temporary stop or break in action

Example: He pressed the pause button on the remote control to stop the movie.
Usage: formalContext: presentations, speeches, meetings
Note: Commonly used in professional settings to indicate a brief interruption or break in activity.

to hesitate or delay in speech or action

Example: She paused for a moment before answering the question.
Usage: formal/informalContext: conversations, interviews
Note: This meaning is used when someone stops briefly before continuing with their speech or action.

a musical note or symbol indicating a brief silence or break in sound

Example: The conductor signaled for a pause in the music.
Usage: formalContext: music, performances
Note: In music, a pause is a notation indicating a brief silence or break in the sound.

Pause's synonyms

hesitation

Hesitation refers to a momentary pause or delay in action or speech.
Example: After being asked a difficult question, there was a brief hesitation before she responded.
Note: Hesitation often implies uncertainty or indecision.

break

Break can mean a temporary interruption or cessation of an action.
Example: Let's take a short break before we continue with the meeting.
Note: Break is more commonly associated with a planned interruption rather than a spontaneous pause.

Pause expressions, common phrases

Take a break

To pause or stop what one is doing temporarily, typically to rest or refresh.
Example: Let's take a break and grab a snack before we continue working on the project.
Note: This phrase implies a planned or intentional pause, often for rest or rejuvenation.

Hold on

To wait or pause briefly.
Example: Hold on a moment, I need to find the key before we can unlock the door.
Note: This phrase is used to ask someone to wait or pause for a short period of time.

Pause for thought

To stop and carefully consider or think about something before proceeding.
Example: Let's pause for thought and consider all the options before making a decision.
Note: This phrase emphasizes the act of stopping to think or reflect on a matter before continuing.

Halt

To bring or come to a stop; to pause or suspend temporarily.
Example: The construction work had to halt temporarily due to the heavy rain.
Note: This term is more formal and often used in situations where a complete stop or suspension is necessary.

Break off

To stop or pause suddenly or abruptly.
Example: The negotiations had to break off for the day and resume tomorrow.
Note: This phrase implies a sudden or unexpected cessation of an activity.

Intermission

A pause or break between acts of a performance or event.
Example: During the intermission, you can visit the concession stand for snacks.
Note: This term is commonly used in the context of theater, movies, or concerts to indicate a scheduled break.

Cease

To stop or bring to an end; to pause or discontinue.
Example: The company announced that operations would cease temporarily due to financial difficulties.
Note: This word is more formal and often used in official or serious contexts to indicate a cessation of an activity.

Pause everyday (slang) expressions

Hold up

Used to request a momentary delay or pause in a conversation or activity.
Example: Hold up, let me check my schedule before committing to that.
Note: This term implies a temporary delay or interruption, similar to 'pause,' but with a casual tone.

Wait a sec

An informal way of asking someone to pause or wait for a short moment.
Example: Wait a sec, I need to grab my keys before we leave.
Note: The slang term 'sec' is a shortening of 'second,' used informally to refer to a brief period of time. It conveys a quick pause.

Hang on

A phrase used to ask someone to pause or wait momentarily.
Example: Hang on, I just need to finish this email before we head out.
Note: While 'hang on' can be used similarly to 'pause,' it also carries a connotation of anticipation or holding in place temporarily.

Pause for a second

A more formal or deliberate way of requesting a brief pause or interruption.
Example: Can we pause for a second and reassess our approach to this problem?
Note: The term 'pause for a second' is a slightly more explicit way of asking for a temporary stop, often used in discussions or decision-making contexts.

Hold it

An exclamation or command to stop or pause what one is doing.
Example: Hold it right there! I think I left my phone in the car.
Note: 'Hold it' is a more direct command than 'pause,' often used in urgent or critical situations to demand immediate attention or interruption.

Freeze

An abrupt and commanding way of telling someone to stop or pause.
Example: Freeze! I need a moment to collect my thoughts before we continue.
Note: This term is more forceful than 'pause' and is often used in situations requiring an immediate halt or cessation of activity.

Take a breather

To take a short break or pause to relax or regain composure.
Example: Let's take a breather and regroup after that intense discussion.
Note: While 'take a breather' implies a pause or break like 'pause,' it specifically emphasizes the idea of resting or calming down during the pause.

Pause - Examples

English: Please pause the movie.
English: The teacher called for a pause in the lesson.
English: The machine automatically goes into pause mode when there is an error.

Pause grammar

Pause - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: pause
Conjugations
Noun, plural (Noun, plural): pauses
Noun, singular or mass (Noun, singular or mass): pause
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): paused
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): pausing
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): pauses
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): pause
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): pause
Syllables, Separation and Stress
pause Contains 1 syllables: pause
Phonetic transcription: ˈpȯz
pause , ˈpȯz (The red syllable is stressed)

Pause - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
pause: ~ 2400 (Very common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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