B2verb1K

Pause

UK /["/pɔːz/","/ˈpɔːzɪz/","/pɔːzd/","/ˈpɔːzɪŋ/"]/US /["/pɔːz/","/ˈpɔːzɪz/","/pɔːzd/","/ˈpɔːzɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to stop talking or doing something for a short time before continuing

In simple words: To stop for a short time.

Examples

  • Anita paused for a moment, then said: ‘All right’.
  • The woman spoke almost without **pausing for breath** *(= very quickly)*.
  • I paused at the door and looked back.
  • **Pausing only to** pull on a sweater, he ran out of the house.
  • Just pause to think before giving me your answer.
  • She paused a moment and then walked away.
  • She paused occasionally to smell the flowers.
  • Without pausing to knock, she opened the door.
  • She paused the movie to go and answer the door.

Usage notes

Used in both spoken and written language; appropriate in casual and formal settings. Avoid in very formal speeches where a more structured term may be needed.

Grammar pattern

pause + object or standalone

Memory hint

Think of a 'pause' button on a video player — it stops the action.

Collocations

  • briefly
  • (for) a moment
  • momentarily
  • pause for breath
  • pause for thought
  • pause only long enough to do something

Synonyms

  • stop
  • hesitation
  • break
  • interruption

Antonyms

  • continue
  • proceed

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'pause' with 'cause' in pronunciation.
  • Using 'paws' (like animal feet) instead of 'pause'.
  • Incorrectly using 'pausing' as a noun instead of a verb.