Interlude Meaning and Definition
Interlude
Pronunciation
/ˈɪntərˌluːd/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
An interlude is a short period of time between two events or activities, often used to describe a break or pause in a performance, a musical composition, or a dramatic work.
Examples
1. “The interlude between the two acts of the play was filled with music and dancing.”
2. “The orchestra played a beautiful interlude during the wedding ceremony.”
Synonyms
1. Intermission
2. Break
3. Pause
Antonyms
1. Continuation
2. Extension
Additional Information
Interludes can be found in various forms of art and entertainment, including music, theater, and film. They often serve as a transition between different scenes or acts, providing a moment of respite for the audience. In music, an interlude can be a short instrumental piece that connects two larger sections of a composition. In theater, an interlude can be a brief scene or dialogue that takes place between two main scenes. Interludes can also be used to add variety and interest to a performance or presentation.
In addition to their use in the arts, interludes can also refer to periods of time between events or activities in everyday life. For example, a person might take an interlude between tasks to stretch or grab a snack. In this sense, an interlude can be a welcome break or pause in a busy schedule.
Interludes can also be used to describe the time period between different phases or stages of a project or process. For example, a company might have an interlude between the development and launch phases of a new product. In this sense, an interlude can be a time of transition or preparation for what comes next.
Etymology
The word “interlude” comes from the Old French word “interlude,” which is derived from the Latin words “inter” (meaning “between”) and “ludus” (meaning “play” or “game”). The word has been used in English since the 15th century to describe a period of time between two events or activities.
Usage Notes
When using the word “interlude” to describe a period of time between two events or activities, it is often helpful to specify the nature of the interlude. For example, “The interlude between the two acts of the play was filled with music and dancing” or “The orchestra played a beautiful interlude during the wedding ceremony.” This can help to provide context and clarify the meaning of the word.
Cultural References
The word “interlude” has been used in a variety of cultural contexts, including music, theater, and film. For example, the musical group Interlude has released several albums, and the film “Interlude” (1957) is a romantic drama starring June Allyson and Rossano Brazzi.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
1. “Interlude of peace” – a period of time when there is no conflict or tension.
2. “Interlude of calm” – a period of time when there is no stress or anxiety.
Collocations
1. “A brief interlude” – a short period of time between two events or activities.
2. “An interlude of music” – a period of time when music is played between two events or activities.
Frequency of Use
The word “interlude” is not a commonly used word in everyday conversation, but it can be found in a variety of contexts, including music, theater, and film. It is estimated that the word “interlude” is used in about 0.01% of all written texts.
Common Misspellings
1. “Interlude” is often misspelled as “interlud” or “interlued”.
2. “Interlude” is also sometimes misspelled as “interlude” (note the incorrect placement of the accent mark).