noun / verb
recess
REE-sess/ˈriːses/
A temporary break from an activity.
The children enjoy recess outside the classroom, playing and talking together.
Etymology
The original image is going back or withdrawing. Its use for a pause in work probably arose from the parliamentary practice of withdrawing into private chambers, turning physical retreat into a temporary suspension of proceedings.
In context
It was at recess and all the girls, big and little, were out on the road in front of the school making dust-piles.
More examples
- The children ran outside during recess.
- We took a short recess after lunch.
- The committee recessed while members reviewed the document.
Forms
recess · recesses · recessed · recessing
Similar words
- break
- The ordinary word for a temporary pause.
- adjournment
- Adjournment is a formal suspension of proceedings and may last much longer.