What is intermission? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of intermission in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of intermission

intermissionnoun
gián đoạn
/ˌɪntəˈmɪʃn//ˌɪntərˈmɪʃn/

Where does the word intermission come from?

The word "intermission" has its roots in Latin. In Latin, the word "inter" means "between" and "missio" means "sending away" or "dismission". The term "intermission" literally means "the act of sending away between", or more specifically, "a pause or break between two parts". In the early 15th century, the word "intermission" was borrowed from Latin and used to describe a pause or interruption in a performance, such as a play, concert, or opera. Over time, the term evolved to specifically refer to a break between acts of a performance, where the audience can stretch their legs, grab a snack, or socialize with fellow audience members. Today, the word "intermission" is commonly used in the context of theater, film, and live performances to signal to the audience that it's time to take a break before the next act or show begins.

Vocabulary summary intermission

type noun

meaning stoppage; stop time

example without intermission

meaning (US, American idiom) a break in a performance; a piece of music played during a break in a performance

Example of vocabulary intermissionnamespace

a short period of time between the parts of a play, film, etc.

Coffee was served during the intermission.
After intermission, the second band played.
During the intermission of the theater performance, the audience streamed out of the auditorium to grab some refreshments.
The symphony orchestra took a brief intermission before playing the final movement of Beethoven's 9th Symphony.
After watching two fascinating acts, the circus performers took an intermission to change their costumes.

a period of time during which something stops before continuing again