Definition

1. Noun:
   • A break or pause in a line of verse: In poetry, a "caesura" is a rhythmic pause or break for sense that occurs within a line of verse, typically marked by punctuation or a natural speech pause.
   • A pause or interruption in any form of speech or activity: More broadly, a "caesura" can refer to any significant pause or interruption in a conversation, narrative, or sequence of events.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (in poetry):
  • The poet used a caesura in the middle of the line to create a dramatic effect.
  • "To be, or not to be—that is the question." The dash indicates a strong caesura.
• Noun (as a general pause):
  • There was a brief caesura in their heated debate before she responded.
  • After an ominous caesura, the speaker revealed the final piece of news.

Advanced Usage

• "Medial caesura": A caesura that occurs near the middle of a line of verse.
  • The medial caesura is a common feature in Old English poetry like "Beowulf".
• "To employ a caesura": To intentionally use a pause for rhetorical or rhythmic effect.
  • The orator employed a caesura to let his words sink in with the audience.

Variants and Related Words

• Caesural (adj): Relating to or characterized by a caesura.
  • The caesural rhythm of the poem gives it a solemn, measured pace.

Synonyms

• Pause: A temporary stop in action or speech.
• Break: An interruption in continuity.
• Interruption: An act of stopping the continuous progress of an activity or process.
• Hiatus: A pause or gap in a sequence, series, or process.

Related Phrases

(Note: "Caesura" is a specific technical and literary term. It is not commonly used to form standard phrasal verbs or idioms in everyday English.) - "A caesura in the conversation": A noticeable pause during a discussion. - An awkward caesura in the conversation made everyone uncomfortable.

Noun

1. a break or pause (usually for sense) in the middle of a verse line
2. a pause or interruption (as in a conversation)
   • after an ominous caesura the preacher continued