Pause Meaning
/pɔːz/Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
verbTo take a temporary rest, take a break for a short period after an effort.
verbTo stop (an activity) for a while.
Sentence Examples
After an awkward pause, Bill took her by the hand and dragged her upstairs.
In music or speaking, a pause is frequently used for dramatic effect.
There was a long pause before she answered.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
The speaker in the auditorium asked everyone to ____ for a moment of silence.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She took a brief ____ before answering the difficult question to gather her thoughts carefully.
Word Origin & History
From Middle French pause, from Latin pausa, from Ancient Greek παῦσις (paûsis), from Ancient Greek παύω (paúō, “stop”), of uncertain origin. Doublet of pausa.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The general public could therefore have been forgiven for thinking that work on the new station had stopped. But pausing work on an active construction site of this size is not straightforward."
— 2025 February 19, Chris Howe, “Euston: a work in progress”, in RAIL, number 1029, page 44:
"Tarry, pause a day or two."
— c. 1596–1598 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Merchant of Venice”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act III, scene ii]:
"pausing a while thus to herself she mused"
— 1667, John Milton, “Book IX”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […]; [a]nd by Robert Boulter […]; [a]nd Matthias Walker, […], →OCLC; republished as Paradise Lost in Ten Books: […], London: Basil Montagu Pickering […], 1873, →OCLC:
"She paused and took a defiant breath. ‘If you don't believe me, I can't help it. But I'm not a liar.’ ¶ ‘No,’ said Luke, grinning at her. ‘You're not dull enough![…]What about the kid's clothes? I don't suppose they were anything to write home about, but didn't you keep anything? A bootee or a bit of embroidery or anything at all?’"
— 1963, Margery Allingham, chapter 15, in The China Governess: A Mystery, London: Chatto & Windus, →OCLC:
"Will this affect HS2 and other major projects?
[...] Work at the majority of sites has paused, although some staff may be present to ensure the safety and security of these sites and to make safety assessments. [...]"
— 2020 April 8, “Network News: COVID-19: Questions and Answers”, in Rail, page 11:
Explore More B1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The speaker in the auditorium asked everyone to ____ for a moment of silence.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
She took a brief ____ before answering the difficult question to gather her thoughts carefully.