What does pause mean?
A pause is a short, temporary interruption in speaking, acting, or continuing an activity. It can be an unplanned moment of silence, such as a pause in a conversation, or a deliberate break taken before continuing. The related verb, “to pause,” describes stopping briefly: a speaker may pause to gather thoughts, while a driver might pause at a junction to check traffic. In music, a pause is a rest or suspended note that extends silence within a performance. The word is widely used in British and American English and generally has a neutral, unemphatic tone. Although “pause” often suggests only a short interruption, it can also describe a longer break, especially in contexts such as work, travel, or public announcements. Its usefulness lies in capturing the idea of a temporary suspension without implying that the activity is permanently over.
A temporary interruption or break in speech, activity, movement, or a process.
"The recording was interrupted by a long pause."
Often used for a relatively brief interruption, though it can also refer to a longer break.
To stop briefly or temporarily before continuing.
"He paused before opening the door."
The action is temporary and generally implies that the speaker or activity will continue.
The plural is used for multiple temporary interruptions or breaks.
"There were several pauses during the presentation."
The word pause comes from the Latin pausa, a stopping or rest—a reminder that even speech can benefit from a breath.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of pause
The English word derives from the Latin noun pausa, meaning a stop, rest, or pause, and the related Latin verb pausare, meaning to stop or cease. The noun was borrowed into English in the late medieval period, initially referring to a stop or rest and later extending to interruptions in speech or activity. The modern sense of a brief interruption developed through the language of conversation, performance, and music.
Related word forms
How pause is actually used
The word is neutral in register and common in both formal and informal English. A pause usually implies a temporary or deliberate stop, while a stop can suggest a more complete or final ending. In music, a pause may refer to a rest of specified length or to a moment when the performer intentionally suspends the music.
Easily confused with pause
A break is often a longer or more distinct interruption, while a pause is usually brief and temporary.
A stop may be final or indicate that an activity has ended, whereas a pause suggests that it will later continue.