What is intermission? Pronunciation and usage in English

intermission means . Learn how to pronounce and use intermission through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of intermission

intermissionnoun

/ˌɪntəˈmɪʃn//ˌɪntərˈmɪʃn/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "intermission" in English. It can be tricky for some! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is divided into three syllables:

  • Inter- (like "inter" in "internet")
  • mis- (like "miss" - short and quick)
  • sion (like "sition" – rhymes with "mission")

2. Sounds:

Here's a more detailed breakdown of each syllable:

  • Inter-: Say it with a stressed "ter" sound – like "ter" as in "terrified."
  • mis-: This is a short, quick "miss" sound. Don't linger on it.
  • -sion: This is the trickiest part! It sounds like "sih-zhon" (pronounced with 'zh' sound like in 'treasure'). It’s a bit of a mix of ‘s’ and ‘zh’.

3. Putting it together:

The whole word sounds something like: "in-ter-mis-zhon"

Tips and Common Mistakes:

  • Don't say "inter-mission" like “inter-mi-SHUN”: The "shun" sound is incorrect.
  • Don't overemphasize the "ter" sound: It should be clean and quick.
  • Focus on the "zh" sound in "-sion": This is the key to sounding correct. Think of the "zh" sound in the word "treasure" or “measure.”

Resources for Hearing it:

  • Google Translate: Type "intermission" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. It will play the pronunciation.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/intermission/ This website has pronunciations by native speakers.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some practice words to help you with the “zh” sound?

Usage and examples with the word intermission in English

Let's break down how to use the word "intermission" in English. It has a specific meaning and usage beyond just a short break.

1. Core Meaning: A Planned Break During an Event

The primary meaning of "intermission" is a scheduled break during a longer performance, such as a concert, play, opera, film, or sporting event. It’s a designated time for the audience to get up, stretch, use the restroom, grab a snack, and return to their seats.

  • Example: "The opera had a 15-minute intermission before the second act."
  • Example: "We took an intermission during the movie to let the children use the restroom."

2. Broader Usage (Figurative)

While primarily used for events, "intermission" can also be used metaphorically to describe a temporary pause or break in a more general situation – a shift in mood, activity, or focus. This is less common but still valid.

  • Example: "After a stressful week at work, I needed an intermission in my thoughts – a moment of peace and quiet."
  • Example: "The conversation about politics took a brief intermission when someone brought up a funny anecdote."

3. Key Differences: vs. "Break"

It's important to distinguish "intermission" from simply "break."

  • "Break" is a more general term for any pause, often unplanned or brief. ("I need a break.")
  • "Intermission" always implies a scheduled and planned break within a longer activity.

4. Grammar

  • Noun: "The intermission was crowded."
  • Adjective: "It was a long intermission."

Here's a table summarizing the usage:

Usage Meaning Example
Primary Planned break during a performance “The concert had an intermission.”
Figurative Temporary pause or shift in activity “I needed an intermission from the worries.”

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Explain how it’s used in a specific context (e.g., theater, sports)?
  • Help you practice using the word in a sentence?

Synonyms for the word intermission

Practice with vocabulary intermission

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The long conference schedule included a much-needed lunch _____________ halfway through the day.
  2. During the _____________, audience members flocked to the lobby for refreshments and to stretch their legs.
  3. The technical team requested a brief _____________ to resolve the audio issue before the presentation resumed.
  4. After two acts, the opera always has a twenty-minute _____________ allowing attendees to socialize or visit the restrooms.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following terms typically refers to a scheduled break within a performance, such as a play or concert? a) disruption b) intermission c) continuation d) finale

  2. If a speaker asks for a brief moment to collect their thoughts before resuming, they are requesting a: a) hiatus b) delay c) pause d) adjournment

  3. The marathon lecture included a scheduled _____________ where attendees could stretch, network, or grab refreshments. a) intermission b) interval c) recess d) continuation

  4. Which of these words best describes a temporary cessation of activity, often implying a break from work or a period of rest? a) pursuit b) hiatus c) exertion d) continuity

  5. During a lengthy negotiation session, the lead counsel suggested a temporary _____________ to allow both parties to consult privately with their teams. a) postponement b) intermission c) suspension d) adjournment

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The concert was paused for fifteen minutes between the first and second halves.
  2. Due to the unexpected technical difficulties, the live broadcast experienced a significant halt.
  3. The keynote speaker decided to take a short break before diving into the Q&A session.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. break
  2. intermission
  3. pause (or interruption)
  4. intermission

Exercise 2:

  1. b) intermission
  2. c) pause
  3. a) intermission, b) interval, c) recess
  4. b) hiatus
  5. b) intermission, c) suspension, d) adjournment

Exercise 3:

  1. The concert featured a fifteen-minute intermission between its two halves.
  2. Due to the unexpected technical difficulties, the live broadcast experienced a significant disruption.
  3. The keynote speaker decided to include a short intermission before diving into the Q&A session.

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