pause
a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something
How often you will meet it
Rank 1,398 of 71,295 words measured. It occurs 13,158 times across 139,755 chapters — 0.006% of every word in the library.
What it means
noun
- a time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something also: intermission, break, interruption, suspension
- temporary inactivity
verb
- interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing also: hesitate The speaker paused
- cease an action temporarily also: intermit, break We pause for station identificationlet's break for lunch
pause in real books
Each sentence below was written by a published author and is taken from a different book in our library. Open one to read the passage it came from, with narration.
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After a pause, Lord Henry pulled out his watch.
The Picture of Dorian Gray · Oscar Wilde · Chapter 1
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They pause at rear center and listen to the singing.
The White Christmas and other Merry · Walter Ben Hare · Chapter 1
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There was an awkward pause, a dreary pause, a horrible pause.
Following the Equator — Part 1 · Mark Twain · Chapter 1
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He had to pause, for a violent attack of coughing shook him from head to foot.
Mrs. Wiggs of the Cabbage Patch · Alice Caldwell Hegan Rice · Chapter 1
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To convert electricity into an incomparable motive-power which would supersede steam,--such was the object I pursued without pause.
Other People's Money · Emile Gaboriau · Chapter 1