pause

UK: pɔːz | US: pɔːz

Definition

  1. n. a temporary stop or rest

  2. vi. to stop temporarily

Structure
paus <stop>e <silent letter>
Etymology

The word "pause" comes from the Greek "pausis" (παῦσις), meaning "a stopping." It entered English via Latin "pausa" and Old French "pause." The root "paus-" retains its original meaning of cessation, while the silent "e" is a vestige of Middle English spelling conventions. The word's evolution reflects a straightforward adoption of the concept of interruption or break across languages.

Examples

  1. She pressed the pause button to stop the video.

  2. There was a brief pause in the conversation.

  3. The speaker paused to take a sip of water.

  4. After a long pause, he finally answered the question.

  5. The music faded out, leaving a moment of silence in the pause.