Paused a split moment
/pɔːzd ə splɪt ˈmoʊmənt/
verb phraseB2past tense (for "paused")
Definition
"Paused a split moment" means stopping something for a very short time, almost like a quick break. It is often used when someone stops talking or moving for just a tiny moment before continuing.
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See It in Action
To stop briefly for a very short time
- •She paused a split moment before answering the question.
- •He paused a split moment to think about what to say next.
- •The actor paused a split moment before delivering the next line.
To hesitate slightly in action or speech
- •During the speech, he paused a split moment to catch his breath.
- •The runner paused a split moment at the start line, then began running.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "pause" like "stop," but only for a very short time, not long.
- ✓Picture a clock's second hand stopping just for a tiny bit before moving again.
- ✓It's the feeling when you hesitate quickly before answering a question.
- ✓Sounds like "pause" (stop) + "split moment" (a very small part of time) → imagine splitting a second into tiny pieces and stopping on one piece.
- ✓Imagine a movie scene where a character freezes for a brief moment before acting.
- ✓NOT like "stop" (which can be long), "pause a split moment" is very short and quick.
- ✓NOT like "wait" (which can be longer and more patient), this is almost instant hesitation.
Try Other Words
- •Hesitated briefly: stopped for a short moment (Use when showing doubt or thinking quickly)
- •Paused briefly: stopped for a short time (Use in general situations of short stopping)
- •Momentarily stopped: stopped for a very short time (Use when emphasizing the very short length of the stop)
Unboxing
- •"pause": from Old French "pauser," meaning to stop or rest for a short time
- •"split": means to divide into parts; here means a very small part of time
- •"moment": a very short time period
- •Phrase means stopping for a very small part of time
- •Used in speech and writing to describe quick hesitation or a very short break
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of moments when pausing a split moment helps you speak more clearly or think better?
•How does a split moment pause change the feeling or meaning in a conversation or story?
Fill in the blanks
1.She paused a split moment before ___ her answer to make sure it was correct.
2.When telling the story, he paused a split moment to ___ the attention of the listeners.
3.Unlike a long stop, paused a split moment means the break was very ___ and quick.
4.The speaker paused a split moment, then ___ to the next point smoothly.
5.Paused a split moment often shows ___ or careful thinking before action.
6.The actor paused a split moment ___ delivering the important line to create drama.
7.When someone paused a split moment, we can infer they needed ___ before continuing.