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Glite Dictionary
comfort break

comfort break

3.7
A short pause to use the toilet or have a brief rest
  • noun
  • UK
translation icon : pausa para el baño
  • She suggested a comfort break so everyone could grab a drink and use the restroom.

Examples

  • Excuse me, I need a comfort break.

    The Informant! (2009)

  • Isn't that a comfort break?

    Wimbledon (2004)

  • After an hour of discussion, we took a comfort break to stretch our legs.

  • During the long conference, the organizers scheduled a comfort break for attendees to refresh themselves.

Synonyms

break
vscomfort break
∞ 1.0

A short rest from work or activity

is more specific applied for short personal needs during an event
pause
vscomfort break
192 1.0

A short stop in speaking or activity

usually refers to a neutral stop not specifically for personal needs
time out
vscomfort break
46 2.3

A short break from an activity to rest or talk about what to do next

is used more for personal needs during events rather than general rest
intermission
vscomfort break
38 3.9

A short break during a performance or meeting when people can rest

is used more flexibly during events for personal needs or brief rest
hiatus
vscomfort break
34 6.3

A pause in an activity or series that is usually temporary

refers to a larger interruption in continuity rather than a brief personal pause
breather
vscomfort break
  • Informal
31 3.4

A short rest to recover energy

may also be used for short personal needs such as using the restroom
coffee break
vscomfort break
20 1.0

A short break from work to drink coffee or eat a small snack

is used more for restroom or short relief rather than refreshments
bathroom break
vscomfort break
  • US
13 1.2

A short pause to use the toilet

allows either restroom use or a short rest during events
rest period
vscomfort break
3 2.5

A short time to relax and get energy back

is generally longer and planned rather than a brief event pause
tea break
vscomfort break
  • UK
1 1.3

A short informal break at work to drink tea or another drink

is used for restroom or brief relief rather than drinks and snacks
quick breather
vscomfort break
  • Informal
1 3.0

A short break to breathe and rest

also serves for brief personal needs not only quick recovery pauses
bio-break
vscomfort break
  • Informal
1 8.6

A short break to use the toilet or take care of personal needs

is an informal label often avoided in polite event announcements
physical break
vscomfort break
2.5

A short pause from work to move, stretch, or rest

focuses on movement or exercise rather than personal bodily needs

Antonyms

continuancy
8.9

The fact of lasting without stopping

How Long

lunch
∞ 1.0
break
∞ 1.0
comfort break
  • UK
3.7
coffee break
20 1.0
pause
192 1.0

Surface Forms

comfort break singular
comfort breaks plural

Morphology

comfort + break

The meaning 'a short pause to gain comfort or use the restroom' is directly derivable from combining 'comfort' (physical ease) with 'break' (a short interruption). This noun+noun composition follows a transparent, compositional pattern common across languages and contexts, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the intended meaning.

Etymology

Comfort break started as a polite way to say someone needed a quick rest or to use the toilet, where comfort suggests care or relief and break means a short pause. So today comfort break means 'a short pause' to stretch, have a drink, or use the toilet.