Recess
/ˈriːsɛs/
nounverbB1
Definition
Recess as a noun usually means a short time when people stop working or studying to rest or play, especially in schools. As a verb, it means to take such a break. It can also mean a small space set back from a surface, like a small hole or space in a wall.
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See It in Action
A short break during school or work
- •The children played outside during recess.
- •Teachers use recess to give students a rest.
- •We had a ten-minute recess before the meeting continued.
A small space or hollow in a surface
- •The statue was placed in a recess in the wall.
- •She kept her keys in a recess in the table.
- •The window is set back in a recess to protect it from rain.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "recess" like "break" (A1 word), but usually a short, planned pause during work or school
- ✓Picture children running outside happily from their classroom to play during recess time
- ✓It's the feeling of relief and fun after sitting quietly for a long time
- ✓Sounds like "REE-sess" → imagine a "rest session" in the middle of the day
- ✓Think of a small space in a wall where you can hide a small object — that's a recess as a place
- ✓NOT like "holiday" (which is a long time off), recess is short and happens during the day
- ✓NOT like "pause" (a quick stop), recess is a longer, more relaxed break
- ✓NOT like "hole" (a natural or accidental opening), recess is a designed small space or break
Try Other Words
- •Break: a short rest period (Use when the pause is informal or not specific to school)
- •Pause: a temporary stop (Use when the stop is very short and may not involve resting or playing)
- •Intermission: a break during a performance or event (Use in theater or shows)
- •Niche: a small space in a wall (Use when referring to a physical hollow or recess in architecture)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "re-" (back, again) + "cess" (from Latin "cedere" meaning to go) → originally meaning to go back or withdraw
- •Etymology: From Latin "recessus," meaning a going back or withdrawal, later meaning a break or small space
- •Historical development: Used in English from the 15th century to mean withdrawal or a break in activity; also used for small places set back in walls
- •Modern usage: Common in schools for short play breaks, and in architecture for small spaces or hollows
Reflect & Connect
•How does having a recess during the school day help students learn better?
•Can you think of other places or situations outside school where a recess or break is important?
Fill in the blanks
1.The teacher announced a ___ so the students could play outside and rest.
2.During recess, children often feel ___ after sitting quietly for a long time.
3.Unlike a quick pause, recess usually lasts ___ and lets people relax more.
4.The statue was hidden in a ___ in the wall to keep it safe from damage.
5.When the meeting got long, everyone looked forward to the ___ for a short rest.
6.Recess is different from a holiday because it happens ___ during the day.
7.The small recess in the shelf was perfect for storing ___ small items.