a period of time between classes or during the school day when students are allowed to play or relax, a break from work or other duties, a small space created by building part of a wall further back from the rest

in recess, play hooky from recess, a recess in the action

take a recess, recess appointment, recessed lighting

Formal and Informal Expressions of recess

In different contexts, you can replace 'recess' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'intermission, break' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'time-out, breather' is a commonplace synonym.

recess: Explore its Definition & Usage

recess Definition

1a period of time between classes or during the school day when students are allowed to play or relax
2a break from work or other duties
3a small space created by building part of a wall further back from the rest

Using recess: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "recess" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The students went outside for recess.
Example
I need a recess from all this paperwork.
Example
The room had a small recess in the wall where the bookshelf was placed.

recess Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for recess

Antonyms for recess

Idioms Using recess

in recess
not in session, usually used for meetings or trials
Example
The court is currently in recess and will resume tomorrow morning.
play hooky from recess
to skip recess, usually done by students who want to avoid playing with their classmates
Example
He played hooky from recess and spent the time reading in the library instead.
a recess in the action
a pause or break in an activity or event
Example
There was a recess in the action while the actors changed costumes.

Phrases with recess

take a recess
to take a break, usually from a meeting or trial
Example
The judge decided to take a recess for lunch.
recess appointment
the appointment by the President of a federal official while the Senate is in recess
Example
The President made a recess appointment to fill the vacant position.
recessed lighting
lighting fixtures that are installed into a hollow opening in a ceiling or wall
Example
The living room has recessed lighting that creates a warm and cozy atmosphere.

Origins of recess

from Latin 'recessus', meaning 'a withdrawal'

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Summary: recess in Brief

The term 'recess' [rɪˈsɛs] refers to a break or pause from work or school, often allowing for relaxation or play. It can also refer to a small space created by building part of a wall further back from the rest. 'Recess' extends into phrases like 'take a recess,' which means to take a break from a meeting or trial, and idioms like 'in recess,' referring to a meeting or trial not in session.