American Dictionary

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Definition pause in American English

pause noun

noun
/pɔz/
1

a short time when someone stops doing something before starting again

Example

There was a pause before Joe said, "I'm sorry, I can't help you."

Example

Kate waited for a pause in the conversation.

Example

His reply was delivered with scarcely a pause for breath.

Synonyms and related words
2

a mark over a musical note that shows the note should last for longer than usual

Synonyms and related words
3

a button that stops a CD, DVD, game, etc. and starts it again at the same point

Synonyms and related words
4

to make a stop; to suspend something

Example

The measure doesn't hit the pause button on climate change rules, as backers claim.

Definition pause in American English