Recess
/ˈriːses/
Definitions
3 meaningsA temporary break or pause from an activity, work, or proceedings.
/ˈriːses/
A break or pause
The school children were excited for the recess.
💡 Simply: It's like a time-out. Imagine you're playing a game and then you get a little break to rest or do something else.
👶 For kids: A break time! Like when you get to go play outside at school.
More Examples
The judge called a recess to consult with his team.
The meeting was adjourned for a lunch recess.
How It's Used
"The children had a 15-minute recess between classes."
"Congress is in recess for the summer."
To place or set (something) back or in a recessed space, or a specific space.
/rɪˈses/
To put into a recess or place in the wall.
The architect recessed the windows to provide shade.
💡 Simply: Picture pushing something back into a little space or nook in a wall.
👶 For kids: To put something inside a little pocket in the wall!
More Examples
The television was recessed into the wall to save space.
The door handle was recessed to prevent it from sticking out.
How It's Used
"The cabinet was recessed into the wall."
A secluded or hidden place; a nook or hollow.
/ˈriːses/
A secluded or hidden place.
The explorers discovered a hidden recess in the mountain.
💡 Simply: It's like a secret hiding spot or a cozy corner.
👶 For kids: A secret place or hideout!
More Examples
The old house had a charming recess in the wall for storing books.
He found a quiet recess in the library to study.
How It's Used
"They found a secret recess in the old castle wall."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
in recess
Suspended or on a break (used for a legislative body, court, etc.)
"Congress is in recess for the holiday."
From Old French *reces* 'retreat, secret place', from Latin *recessus* 'a going back, withdrawal', past participle of *recedere* 'to go back, withdraw'.
Historically, 'recess' was used to describe a withdrawal or retreat, and it became associated with the idea of temporary breaks from activities. During the 16th and 17th centuries it also meant 'a private place'.
Memory tip
Think of a break you take after a long period of doing something.
Word Origin
"to go back, withdraw"