caesuras
/sɪˈzjʊərəz/
NOUN
1. Pauses or interruptions in speech, music, or artistic works
Temporary breaks or interruptions within a continuous sequence, particularly in speech, music, poetry, or other forms of artistic expression.
1.1. Pauses in speech or conversation
Brief silences or interruptions in speaking that create emphasis, allow reflection, or separate parts of an utterance.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- continuations
- continuities
Examples
- The speaker used deliberate caesuras to emphasize important points.
- The brief caesuras in the conversation allowed everyone to reflect on the discussion.
Related Words
- silences
- hesitations
- commas
- discontinuities
- lulls
- suspensions
1.2. Pauses in music and artistic performances
Intentional breaks or moments of silence within musical compositions or performances, often used to create dramatic emphasis or separate artistic passages.
Synonyms
- rests
- pauses
- intermissions
- interludes
- breaks
- interruptions
Antonyms
- continuations
- uninterrupted passages
Examples
- The conductor carefully observed the caesuras marked in the musical score.
- The composer inserted several caesuras to create dramatic moments of silence.
Related Words
- musical notation
- fermata
- rhythm
- tempo
- phrases
- performance
NOUN
2. Metrical divisions within lines of classical poetry
Points of division between words within a metrical foot in classical poetry, particularly Greek and Latin verse.
2.1. Classical poetic meter
Word-boundary divisions within metrical feet that influence the rhythm and structure of classical Greek and Latin poetry.
Synonyms
- metrical divisions
- metrical breaks
- word-boundary pauses
Examples
- The scholar examined the caesuras in the Latin hexameters.
- Different caesuras contribute to the rhythmic variety of classical poetry.
Related Words
- prosody
- scansion
- dactylic hexameter
- metrical feet
- diaereses
- hemistichs
- classical verse
NOUN
3. Historical breaks between periods or eras
Significant divisions or turning points marking the end of one historical period and the beginning of another.
3.1. Historical and chronological divisions
Distinct breaks or transitions separating historical periods, eras, or major phases of historical development.
Synonyms
- divisions
- breaks
- discontinuities
- intervals
- transitions
Antonyms
- continuities
- continuums
- continuations
Examples
- Historians identified several caesuras that separated the medieval period from the modern era.
- The political revolution created major caesuras in the country's historical development.
Related Words
- periodization
- chronology
- historical transition
- turning points
- epochs
- eras