interruption - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
interruption Word Meanings
- a break or pause in something
- an instance of stopping someone in the middle of speaking
- an interruption can halt an activity or conversation
interruption Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
interruption Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˌɪntəˈrʌpʃən/
US
/ˌɪntəˈrʌpʃən/
interruption Word Etymology
Inter- = between + rupt = break; Latin 'interruptus' means to break between. Imagine someone suddenly breaking into a conversation, disrupting the flow like cutting a rope.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Interruption refers to a break or pause in an ongoing process, conversation, or activity. It can occur when someone stops speaking, when a power outage or a technical failure halts work, or when an unexpected event disrupts plans. In English we often discuss interruptions with phrases like 'to interrupt someone,' 'an interruption to the schedule,' and 'to be interrupted.' Note that interruption emphasizes an external disruption rather than a voluntary pause. Learners sometimes confuse it with 'disruption' or 'pause' and may misplace it in phrases like 'I made an interruption' (incorrect) instead of 'I was interrupted' or 'there was an interruption.'
Usage Reminders
- Be careful with be interrupted vs interrupt someone; use an interruption to describe an external disruption; differentiate from pause; use be interrupted for passive voice; avoid I made an interruption; prefer there was an interruption
Common Misconceptions
- Interruption means you or someone else chose to pause willingly
- Interruption and disruption are identical
- I made an interruption is natural; it’s not
- Interruption can only refer to talking; not to technical failures
- There was an interruption means no one caused it
Thinking Differences
In English, interruptions are framed as external happenings that end or pause a flow; learners often treat them as planned pauses or confuse with delays.
Learning Tips
- Practice common collocations: interrupt someone, be interrupted, interruption to the schedule
- Differentiate be interrupted (passive) from I interrupt (active)
- Use be interrupted to describe unexpected stops
- Remember there is an interruption to describe external disruption
- Compare with disruption to grasp nuance
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'interruption'?
A.A happy celebration
B.A long journey
C.A temporary pause
D.A sunny day
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is the word 'interruption' used correctly?
A.The quiet library had constant interruptions from noisy students.
B.He completed the interruption without any issues.
C.She enjoyed the interruption of her favorite show.
D.The interruption of the new movie made everyone happy.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is a synonym of 'interruption'?
A.Continuation
B.Completion
C.Silence
D.Halt
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'interruption'?
A.Break
B.Distraction
C.Continuation
D.Pause
Step 5: Mastery
How does the concept of 'interruption' apply in a real-life work meeting?
A.Completing tasks without any breaks
B.Taking a break for a coffee refill
C.Listening attentively to all colleagues
D.When someone continuously talks over others
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