interlude

interlude — noun

1. a brief stretch of time, coming between two longer events or situations, that st

1.名詞B2
釋義

a brief stretch of time, coming between two longer events or situations, that stands out because the mood, activity, or feeling is noticeably different from what surrounds it.

例句

After months of heavy fighting, the ceasefire created a rare interlude of calm for the trapped civilians.

interlude + of + noun (calm, peace, silence)

The family enjoyed a quiet interlude in the countryside before returning to their busy city routines.

adjective + interlude (quiet, peaceful, brief)

同義詞
  • interval

    More neutral and common; interlude emphasises that the period feels different in character.

  • pause

    Shorter and more everyday; interlude suggests a longer or more meaningful break.

  • respite

    Stronger sense of relief from something unpleasant; interlude is more neutral.

文法句型

interlude + of + noun phrase

adjective + interlude

用法筆記

Often used with a modifier (adjective or of-phrase) to describe the character of the intervening time, e.g. a peaceful interlude, an interlude of calm.

常見錯誤

❌There was a interlude break between classes.
✅There was a brief interlude between classes.
💡'interlude' already includes the idea of a short break; do not add 'break' after it.

2. a short show, musical piece, or comic act that is presented in the middle of a l

2.名詞B2
釋義

a short show, musical piece, or comic act that is presented in the middle of a longer play, concert, film, or ceremony to give a change of pace or to cover a scene change.

例句

During the play, a musical interlude allowed the stage crew to change the scenery behind the curtain.

musical interlude — common collocation in theatre

The band played a gentle piano interlude between two loud rock numbers.

interlude + between + noun phrase (two parts of a performance)

同義詞
  • entr'acte

    Specifically refers to a performance between acts of a play; more formal and less common than interlude.

  • intermezzo

    A short instrumental piece in an opera or larger work; more specialised musical term.

  • insert

    More general; interlude implies a self-contained piece with some artistic shape.

文法句型

musical / instrumental / comic + interlude

interlude + between + noun phrase

用法筆記

In theatre and music, interlude specifically refers to a short piece performed between larger sections — it is not used for a full-length interval or intermission. The related noun intermission refers to the entire break between acts.

常見錯誤

❌We went to the lobby during the interlude.
✅We went to the lobby during the intermission.
💡'interlude' is the short performance or music; 'intermission' is the longer break when the audience leaves their seats.