intermission
intermission Lexical Profile
intermission Game Scores & Validity
• noun
North American A scheduled short break or recess between the acts or parts of a theatrical performance, concert, film, or sporting event.
"The audience headed to the lobby for refreshments during the twenty-minute intermission between the first and second acts."
A temporary pause, cessation, or interruption in a continuous activity, process, or state.
"The torrential rain fell for three days without intermission, causing the local river to overflow its banks."
Word Nuance & Usage
In North American English, 'intermission' is the standard term for a scheduled break during a play, concert, or film, whereas British English speakers typically use the word 'interval' for this sense.
• Rhymes for intermission
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 15th century from Middle French intermission, from Latin intermissionem ('a breaking off, pause, or interruption'), derived from the verb intermittere, meaning 'to leave off' or literally 'to send between'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.