What is interruption? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of interruption

interruptionnoun

/ˌɪntəˈrʌpʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of interruption

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "interruption" in English. It's a tricky one! Here's a breakdown with audio references to help you:

1. Syllable by Syllable:

  • Inter-: Pronounced like "in-ter" – short “i” sound, then “ter” as in "term."
  • -rup-: Pronounced like “root” - rhyming with “boot.”
  • -tion: Pronounced like “shun” – like the word “sun.”

2. Putting it Together:

So, it's roughly: in-ter-root-shun

3. The Key Sounds & Tips:

  • The "r" in "rup": This is often where people stumble. Make sure you roll your "r" slightly. It doesn't have to be a super dramatic roll, just a little "buzz" in your mouth.
  • The "t" in "interruption": This is a voiceless "t" – you don’t vocalize the sound. It’s like a quick pop of air. Think of it like the "t" in "top."
  • The "u" in "rup": Pronounce it like “root,” not “roup.”

4. Listen to Examples:

To summarize, try to say it like this:

in-ter-ROOT-shun (with a slight rolled "r" in "root" and a voiceless "t")

Practice makes perfect! Record yourself saying it and compare it to the audio examples.

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Usage and examples with the word interruption in English

Let's break down how to use the word "interruption" in English. It's a pretty common word with several nuances.

1. Basic Definition:

At its core, an interruption is something that stops an activity or conversation. It’s a break in the flow of things.

2. Common Uses & Examples:

  • Stopping a Conversation:

    • "I was explaining my project when I had a terrible interruption from a phone call."
    • "Please don't have an interruption when I'm speaking."
    • "She had an interruption in her thoughts, and couldn’t remember what she was saying."

  • Stopping an Activity:

    • "The power outage caused a major interruption to the meeting."
    • "There was an interruption to the train service due to track repairs."
    • "The unexpected rain brought an interruption to our picnic."

  • In a More Formal Context (e.g., Business/Meetings):

    • "The CEO announced an interruption to the presentation to address a customer concern."
    • “We experienced a brief technical interruption during the video conference."

  • Referring to Someone's Train of Thought:

    • “He keeps getting interruptions; he can’t even finish a sentence.” (meaning he's being constantly talked over)
    • “She had an interruption in her flow of ideas.”

3. Related Words & Phrases:

  • Interrupt: This is the verb form – to stop something from continuing. "He interrupted me."
  • Interrupted: This is the past participle – used with "by." "I was interrupted by a loud noise."
  • Uninterrupted: Means not being stopped. "We had an uninterrupted hour of peace and quiet."
  • To interrupt someone: To stop them from speaking. (Often considered impolite.)
  • Unexpected interruption: Describes an interruption that wasn't anticipated.
  • Brief interruption: An interruption that lasted for a short time.

4. Levels of Formality:

“Interruption” is generally a fairly neutral word. It can be used in both casual and formal settings. However, interrupting someone directly is often considered rude.

5. Synonyms:

  • Break
  • Disturbance
  • Pause
  • Halt
  • Disruption
  • Derailment

Let's test your understanding! Try to use "interruption" in a sentence.

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Synonyms for the word interruption

Practice with vocabulary interruption

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Any unexpected _____ to the workflow can significantly delay project completion.
  2. The constant phone calls were a significant _____ to my concentration during the exam preparation.
  3. He politely apologized for the brief _____ during the CEO's address, which was caused by a technical glitch.
  4. Government _____ is sometimes necessary in failing markets to prevent widespread economic collapse.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. During the live broadcast, a sudden technical issue caused a brief _____ in the transmission. a) pause b) continuation c) break d) interruption
  2. The speaker handled the abrupt _____ from an audience member with grace, quickly refocusing the discussion. a) questioning b) interjection c) intervention d) observation
  3. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the train service experienced an unexpected _____, delaying all commuters. a) halt b) stoppage c) break d) interruption
  4. The noisy construction outside was a constant _____ to my ability to think clearly. a) distraction b) diversion c) meditation d) focus
  5. The mediator had to _____ in the heated debate to prevent it from escalating into an argument. a) intervene b) interfere c) mediate d) observe

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Please do not break into the conversation when others are speaking. (Rewrite using a form of "interruption")
  2. The meeting had to stop for a short time because of a power cut. (Rewrite using "interruption")
  3. We need to step in and resolve the conflict between the two departments. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word, not "interruption")

Answer Key

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. interruption
  2. distraction
  3. interruption
  4. intervention

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. a) pause, c) break, d) interruption
  2. b) interjection, c) intervention
  3. a) halt, b) stoppage, c) break, d) interruption
  4. a) distraction, b) diversion
  5. a) intervene, b) interfere, c) mediate

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Please avoid any interruption when others are speaking. / Please avoid making any interruption when others are speaking.
  2. A power cut caused a brief interruption to the meeting. / The meeting experienced a brief interruption due to a power cut.
  3. We need to intervene and resolve the conflict between the two departments. / We need to mediate and resolve the conflict between the two departments.

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