intermission
UK: ˌɪntəˈmɪʃ(ə)n | US: ˌɪntərˈmɪʃ(ə)n
n. a pause or break between periods of activity, especially in a performance or event
n. (historical) an interval between acts of a play or parts of a performance
intermission = inter<between> + mission<send>
- inter (Latin inter): meaning "between" or "among."
- mission (Latin missio, from mittere): meaning "to send" or "a sending."
Etymology Origin:
The word "intermission" originates from Latin intermissio, combining inter- (between) and missio (a sending or release). It originally referred to a temporary pause or interruption, akin to "sending something between" activities. Over time, it specialized in theatrical contexts to denote breaks between acts, reflecting the idea of a deliberate pause "sent into" a performance.
The play had a 15-minute intermission after the second act.
During the intermission, the audience rushed to buy snacks.
The concert resumed promptly after the intermission.
She used the intermission to check her phone messages.
The film’s intermission allowed viewers to stretch their legs.