Definition

Noun: 1. A scheduled break or intermission occurring midway through a game or contest: Specifically, the period of rest and strategy between the two halves of a sporting event, such as football, basketball, or soccer.

Usage

• Halftime is used to refer to the specific break period during a game.
• It is commonly used with the preposition (e.g., ) to indicate something happening during this interval.
• Example:

Examples

• The score was tied 14-14 at halftime.
• A famous musician performed during the halftime show.
• Players often rest and rehydrate during halftime.

Advanced Usage

• "Halftime adjustments": Strategic changes made by a team or coach during the halftime break to improve performance in the second half.
  • The team's halftime adjustments on defense led to a comeback victory.
• "Halftime entertainment/show": A performance, often musical, that takes place on the field or court during the halftime break, especially in major events.
  • The Super Bowl halftime show is watched by millions.

Variants and Related Words

• Halftime is a closed compound noun. It is typically written as one word.
• Half-time (with a hyphen) is a less common but occasionally seen variant spelling.
• Intermission (n): A more general term for a pause or break between parts of a performance or game; a synonym in some contexts.
• Break (n): A general term for a short pause or rest period.

Synonyms

• Intermission
• Interval (common in British English)
• Break

Antonyms

• Kickoff (the start of a game)
• Tip-off (the start of a basketball game)
• Face-off (the start of a hockey game)
• Continuation (the act of continuing without a break)

Related Phrases

• At the half: An informal phrase meaning at the point of halftime.
  • The home team was leading by ten points at the half.
• Second-half (adj): Referring to the period of play after halftime.
  • The team's second-half performance was much stronger.

Noun

1. an intermission between the first and second half of a game