How to Pronounce Pause

To pronounce "pause", say PAUS-e — 2 syllables, IPA /pɔːz/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

pause

Tap to hear · American accent

Accent

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Speed

Syllable by syllable — tap each one

Practice: Record & Compare

Record yourself saying pause, then compare with the target. Your audio stays on this device — nothing is uploaded.

2

Syllables

5

Letters

/pɔːz/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “pause”

"pause" has 2 syllables: paus-e. It rhymes with cause and because, if that helps it stick.

Sounds exactly like: paws — easy to mix up when writing.

What does pause mean?

noun

  1. A button whose functions are pausing and resuming something, such as a DVD player, a video game or a computer.

noun

  1. A temporary stop or rest; an intermission of action; interruption; suspension; cessation.
  2. A short time for relaxing and doing something else.

verb

  1. To take a temporary rest, take a break for a short period after an effort.
  2. To interrupt an activity and wait.

    “When telling the scary story, he paused for effect.”

Synonyms

breakholidayrecesshiatusmoratoriumvacillationwavering

Hear “pause” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Words that rhyme with pause

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

causebecausegauzeguffawsapplausequassjawsdrawsgauseglaustropopausebylaws

Related words

suspensionintermitinterruptionhesitatebreakintermissionrespitehiatus

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "pause"?▾

"Pause" has 2 syllables: paus · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "pause"?▾

The IPA transcription of "pause" is /pɔːz/.

What does "pause" mean?▾

Pause: A button whose functions are pausing and resuming something, such as a DVD player, a video game or a computer.

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