recess
recess Lexical Profile
recess Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A temporary break or suspension of work or activity, especially a daily period of outdoor play for children at school or an official pause in legal or parliamentary proceedings.
"The judge called a brief recess so both legal teams could review the newly submitted documents."
A small, hollow space or indentation set back inside a wall or surface.
"They installed a custom bookshelf inside the narrow recess beside the living room fireplace."
A remote, secret, or secluded part of a place, space, or the mind (usually used in the plural).
"The melody stirred a childhood memory hidden in the deepest recesses of his mind."
• verb
To set a fixture or part back into a wall or surface, or to make a hollow indentation in an object.
"The electrician decided to recess the ceiling lights to give the hallway a sleek, modern appearance."
North American To temporarily suspend a formal meeting, trial, or legislative session, or to pause for a break.
"The committee voted to recess until Tuesday morning to allow members time to study the budget proposal."
Word Nuance & Usage
The noun is often stressed on the first syllable ('REE-sess') when referring to a school break in American English, while the verb and architectural senses typically stress the second syllable ('ri-SESS'). In plural form ('recesses'), it frequently refers to remote, hidden, or innermost areas of a place or the mind.
• Rhymes for recess
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 16th century from Latin 'recessus' ('a going back, retreat, or inner room'), from the past participle stem of 'recedere', meaning 'to go back' or 'withdraw'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.