intermission etymology

Etymology:

  • From Latin inter ("between") + missio ("sending, dismissal")

Meaning:

  • A brief pause or break between acts of a performance, such as a play, concert, or movie.

Origin:

The term "intermission" originated in the ancient Greek theater.

  • In Greek comedy and tragedy, the choros (chorus) would sing a song called the kommos between acts.
  • This song provided a transition, commentary, or reaction to the events of the previous act.
  • The kommos served a similar purpose to the modern intermission, providing a brief pause and a chance for the audience to reflect on what they had seen.

Over time, the Latin term intermissio came to be used to describe this interval between acts. This term was later adopted into English as "intermission."

Usage:

"Intermission" is commonly used in the entertainment industry to refer to the break between acts of a performance. It can also be used more generally to refer to any temporary suspension or break in an activity. For example:

  • The play had a 15-minute intermission.
  • There will be a brief intermission while the band changes sets.
  • We took a short intermission during the meeting to grab coffee.

intermission relate terms

  • mission

    Etymology Mission is derived from the Latin word mittere meaning to send or to dispa

  • intermittent

    Etymology The word intermittent comes from the Latin word intermittere meaning to i

  • intermission

    Etymology From Latin inter between missio sending dismissal Meaning A b

  • entertain

    Etymology Derivatives of the word entertain include Old French entartenir to hol

  • enterprise

    Etymology The term enterprise has its origins in the Old French word entreprendre fo

  • intelligence

    Etymology Latin intelligentia understanding knowledge wisdom From inter among

  • pause

    Etymology The word pause originates from the Greek word pauein which means to cease

  • break

    Etymology Middle English breken breken Old English brecan Proto Germanic brekan Pro

  • suspension

    Etymology The word suspension derives from the Latin word suspendere which means to

  • truce

    Etymology Old French trève truce cease fire Medieval Latin treuga truce Pro

  • pelt

    Etymology Pelt comes from the Proto Germanic word pell which also gave rise to the

  • vacation

    Etymology Latin vacātiō meaning a being free leisure exemption from duty Proto

  • tarantella

    Etymology The word tarantella comes from the Italian city of Taranto in the southern re

  • rest

    Etymology The word rest originates from the Old English word restan which means to

  • delay

    Etymology The word delay comes from the Old French word delaier meaning to put off

  • hold

    Etymology Old English healdan Proto West Germanic haldan Proto Germanic haldaną P