hiatus
C1Formal, Academic, Technical, Literary
Definition
Meaning
A temporary gap, pause, or break in a sequence, series, or process.
A break or interruption in the continuity of a work, series, or action; a missing piece in a manuscript or argument; in linguistics/phonology, a break between two vowels coming together but not in the same syllable.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a planned or natural pause, not necessarily negative. In phonetics, it refers specifically to a vowel sequence across a syllable boundary, like in 'cooperate' or 'reality'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Same formal/academic register in both variants.
Frequency
Slightly more common in academic/literary contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
hiatus from [activity/role]hiatus in [series/process]hiatus between [two events/periods]to go on hiatusVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On hiatus”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A planned hiatus in production to upgrade machinery.
Academic
A noticeable hiatus in the archaeological record suggests a period of abandonment.
Everyday
The popular TV show is on hiatus until autumn.
Technical
The word 'naïve' contains a hiatus between /ɑː/ and /iː/.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The band decided to hiatus their touring schedule for a year.
American English
- The series will hiatus after its season finale.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There was a short hiatus in the rain, so we went for a walk.
- The author took a two-year hiatus from writing to travel.
- The treaty negotiations entered a prolonged hiatus due to unresolved diplomatic tensions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: HI-ATUS sounds like 'HIGH AT US' – imagine a high jumper taking a pause (hiatus) before launching themselves at us.
Conceptual Metaphor
TIME/ACTIVITY IS A CONTINUOUS FABRIC (a hiatus is a tear/break in that fabric).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with Russian 'хаос' (chaos).
- Not directly equivalent to 'перерыв', which is more general and common; 'hiatus' is more formal and implies a notable gap in a structured sequence.
- In phonetics, it's a specific term not to be confused with 'дифтонг' (diphthong).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect plural: 'hiati' (correct: 'hiatuses' or 'hiatus').
- Using it as a synonym for a short, casual break (too formal).
- Mispronunciation: /ˈhaɪ.təs/ (incorrect stress).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'hiatus' used TECHNICALLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'hiatuses' and 'hiatus' are accepted, though 'hiatuses' is more common.
Typically, it implies a temporary pause, though the length can be indefinite. Context usually clarifies if a return is expected.
It's standard in formal and informal contexts when discussing media, projects, or careers.
An intermission is a scheduled, short break within an event (e.g., a play). A hiatus is generally longer and refers to a pause in an ongoing series, process, or activity.