Is 'entr'acte' used in everyday English?

No, it is a specialised term primarily used in the context of theatre, opera, and ballet.

How is 'entr'acte' pronounced in American English?

It is typically pronounced /ɑːnˈtrækt/, with a nasalised first syllable and stress on the second syllable.

What is the difference between an 'entr'acte' and an 'intermission'?

An 'intermission' is the break itself. An 'entr'acte' specifically refers to a performance (e.g., music, dance) that takes place during that break.

Why does the word have an apostrophe?

It comes from French 'entracte', itself from 'entre' (between) and 'acte' (act). The apostrophe in English sometimes reflects the elision in the original French.

Is “entr'acte” formal?

Entr'acte is usually formal/theatrical in register.

entr'acte: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˈɒ̃.trækt/US/ɑːnˈtrækt/

Formal/Theatrical

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “entr'acte” mean?

A short performance or piece of music played between the acts of a play or opera.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A short performance or piece of music played between the acts of a play or opera.

Any short interlude or interval between the main parts of a performance or event.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Spelling is identical. In the UK, 'interval' is the common term for the break; 'entr'acte' is a specialised theatrical term. In the US, 'intermission' is common, with 'entr'acte' also being specialised.

Connotations

Connotes sophistication, classical theatre, opera, or ballet in both regions.

Frequency

Low frequency in general language, but standard within theatre, opera, and dance criticism in both the UK and US.

Grammar

How to Use “entr'acte” in a Sentence

The [orchestra/performer] provided an entr'acte.An entr'acte [featured/was performed].

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

orchestra played anprovided a musicalcomposed a special

medium

during thecharmingbrief

weak

theanshort

Examples

Examples of “entr'acte” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

The entr'acte music was composed by Elgar.

American English

She discussed the play's entr'acte entertainment.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Academic

Used in studies of drama, musicology, and performance history.

Everyday

Very rare.

Technical

Standard term in theatre programs, reviews, and musical scores.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “entr'acte”

Strong

intermezzo

Neutral

interlude interval intermission

Weak

break pause

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “entr'acte”

main actfeatured performancecontinuous performance

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “entr'acte”

Misspelling as 'entracte' (omitting apostrophe), 'entrac', or 'interact'. Mispronouncing the final 'te' as /tiː/ instead of /t/.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is a specialised term primarily used in the context of theatre, opera, and ballet.
: It is typically pronounced /ɑːnˈtrækt/, with a nasalised first syllable and stress on the second syllable.
: An 'intermission' is the break itself. An 'entr'acte' specifically refers to a performance (e.g., music, dance) that takes place during that break.
: It comes from French 'entracte', itself from 'entre' (between) and 'acte' (act). The apostrophe in English sometimes reflects the elision in the original French.
: A short performance or piece of music played between the acts of a play or opera.
: Entr'acte is usually formal/theatrical in register.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“There is no life in the theatre quite like the buzz of an entr'acte.”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: 'ENTER an ACT' but in the middle (entr'acte). It's what enters *between* the acts.

Conceptual Metaphor

THEATRICAL PERFORMANCE IS A STRUCTURED JOURNEY (with rest stops/entr'actes).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The programme noted that a specially commissioned piece would serve as the .

Multiple Choice

What is the primary domain of the word 'entr'acte'?