Interlude
/ˈɪntərluːd/
Definitions
2 meaningsAn intervening period or space; an interval or break.
/ˈɪntərluːd/
A brief period of time between events or activities.
During the interlude, the audience discussed their favorite characters.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're watching a show, and during the break between scenes, the musicians play a short song. That short song is an interlude! It's just a little pause.
👶 For kids: A short break or pause in between things, like when you get a snack during your playtime.
More Examples
The speaker paused for an interlude before continuing her presentation.
The composer added a brief interlude to connect the two movements of the symphony.
How It's Used
"The orchestra played an interlude between the acts of the opera."
"The novel included an interlude describing the protagonist's childhood."
A musical or dramatic piece performed between other parts of a performance.
/ˈɪntərluːd/
A short performance or piece of music played between other parts of a longer performance.
The piano interlude provided a moment of calm before the dramatic finale.
💡 Simply: Think of an interlude as a mini-show or a little song that happens in the middle of a bigger performance. It's like a short, special treat to enjoy.
👶 For kids: A little song or show in the middle of a bigger show!
More Examples
The interlude gave the dancers a chance to change costumes.
The interlude was a welcome break from the intensity of the play.
How It's Used
"The composer wrote a beautiful interlude for the piano to be played between the acts."
"The actors returned to the stage after a brief interlude of applause."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
From Middle English, from Old French entrelude, literally 'between play', from entre- (between) + lude (play).
The term was frequently used in the 16th and 17th centuries for short dramatic performances played between acts of a larger play.
Memory tip
Think of it as a 'between-play' or 'between-act' moment.
Word Origin
"inter- (between) + ludus (play)"