pause

To stop a video, song, or game temporarily so it can continue from the same point.

• Please pause the video.
• I paused the game to answer my phone.
• Can you pause the music for a minute?

How to use it: pause something (Pause the film while I answer the door.)

Opposites: resume

Common phrases: pause the video, pause a game, pause the music

To stop what you are doing for a short time before continuing.

• We paused for lunch.
• He paused to check the address.
• Please pause your work while I explain.

How to use it: pause to do something (We paused to drink some water.); pause for something (She paused for a short rest.)

Similar words: stop, break off

Opposites: continue

Common phrases: pause for something, pause to think, pause briefly, pause for effect

A short stop in an activity, conversation, or process before it continues.

• There was a long pause.
• He answered after a brief pause.
• The talks resumed following a three-day pause.

How to use it: a pause in something (There was a pause in the conversation.)

Similar words: break, interruption, stop

Common phrases: an awkward pause, a brief pause, pause in something

A short time when you stop working or another activity to rest or do something else.

• We took a pause for lunch.
• After a short pause, everyone returned to work.
• She used the pause to stretch her legs.

How to use it: a pause for something (We had a pause for refreshments.)

Similar words: break, rest

Common phrases: a short pause, a pause for lunch, take a pause

A feeling of doubt that makes you stop and think before acting.

• The warning gave me pause.
• Her unexpected reaction gave him pause.
• These risks should give pause to anyone considering the plan.

How to use it: give someone pause (The cost gave us pause.)

Similar words: hesitation, doubt, uncertainty

Common phrases: give someone pause, give pause, reason for pause