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recess

recess

153 1.2
A short break during work, school, or a meeting
  • noun
  • /rɪˈsɛs/
translation icon : receso
  • During recess, the children ran outside to play games with their friends.
  • lunch recess
  • recess activities
  • school recess

Like hopefully we get it done before recess, but if not, we'll get it done after recess.

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Examples

  • National organizations have noted the importance of recess for promoting children's academic, social, and physical growth.

    Academic text (2013)
  • All children were engaged in a non-structured recess period during the middle of the school day.

    Academic text (2011)
  • I mean, these are words that you hear on the junior high, like recess after lunch period.

  • Do you need a short recess, sir?

  • Like hopefully we get it done before recess, but if not, we'll get it done after recess.

  • The court shall now take a short recess to thank our sponsor.

  • When the children returned from recess, he sat there at his desk, red in the face.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • We're going to take a 20-minute recess.

  • Although national organizations recommend that students not be withheld from recess, this practice occurs in schools.

    Academic text (2013)
  • Encourage teachers to not withhold recess and PE as a punishment.

    Academic text (2015)

Synonyms

break
vsrecess
1.0

A short rest from work or activity

is used for temporary stoppage in formal or official settings
time out
vsrecess
46 2.3

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

is broader, used for scheduled temporary stoppages in institutions
hiatus
vsrecess
34 6.3

A pause in an activity or series that is usually temporary

is a planned short stoppage within activities rather than a long gap
respite
vsrecess
25 7.2

A short break from something difficult or unpleasant

is a neutral temporary stoppage not necessarily meant as relief
intersession
vsrecess
7.4

A short time between regular sessions for special meetings or classes

is the general temporary stoppage not limited to between sessions

Antonyms

663 2.5

A time set aside for a certain activity like a meeting

362 1.1

A state of being busy and moving

Compounds

pharyngeal recess
  • Specialized
9.9

A small pocket at the side of the throat near the opening of the ear tube

How Long

suspension
70 4.3
hiatus
34 6.3
recess
153 1.2
break
1.0
intermission
38 3.9
pause
192 1.0

Surface Forms

recess singular
recesses plural

Etymology

Recess (noun, a break) comes from Latin re- 'back' and cedere 'to go', meaning a 'going back' or withdrawal. That's why a recess is a short time when people step back from work or meetings to rest or think.