Hiatus: Definition, Meaning, and Examples

Last Updated on
December 31, 2025

1. Hiatus (noun): A break or interruption in continuity, sequence, or activity.
2. Hiatus (noun): A gap or missing part in a text, process, or event.
3. Hiatus (noun): In linguistics, a pause or break between two vowel sounds in adjacent syllables.

The word "hiatus" refers to a gap or interruption in a sequence, process, or activity. It often describes breaks in work, storytelling, or events, such as a temporary pause in a television series or career. It can also mean a physical gap in an object, though this usage is less common. Discover more about how "hiatus" captures breaks and pauses in our lives or systems.

"Hiatus" Definition: What Does "Hiatus" Mean?

The word "hiatus" is often used to describe gaps or pauses in different aspects of life and language. Here are its various meanings.

Definition of "Hiatus": A Break or Interruption

As a noun, "hiatus" primarily refers to a temporary stop in an activity, process, or schedule.

Definition of "Hiatus": A Gap or Missing Part

In literature, media, and history, "hiatus" refers to an omission or gap in content or records.

Definition of "Hiatus": A Linguistic Pause

In phonetics, "hiatus" refers to the break between two vowel sounds that occur in adjacent syllables without a consonant in between.

Parts of Speech

"Hiatus" is primarily used as a noun, designating an interval or break in continuity. This could apply to schedules, relationships, or even anatomical gaps in a structure. While relatively specific, the word carries flexibility in describing interruptions across different contexts.

How to Pronounce "Hiatus"?

The word "hiatus" is pronounced as "high-AY-tuhs," with the first syllable "high" rhyming with "sigh," followed by a clear "AY" sound, and ending with "tuhs," which is soft and unstressed. The emphasis lies heavily on the second syllable. You can practice by elongating the “AY” sound while softening the final part of the word.

Phonetic Pronunciation: /haɪˈeɪ.t̬əs/

Synonyms of "Hiatus": Other Ways to Say "Hiatus"

Understanding synonyms for "hiatus" can help diversify vocabulary and improve communication.

  • Pause
  • Break
  • Interruption
  • Gap
  • Recess
  • Interlude
  • Suspension
  • Breather
  • Time-out
  • Respite

Antonyms of "Hiatus": Other Ways to Say "Hiatus"

Exploring antonyms of "hiatus" helps understand concepts related to continuity and consistency.

  • Continuation
  • Flow
  • Uninterruptedness
  • Persistence
  • Progression
  • Sequence
  • Unbrokenness
  • Extension
  • Durability
  • Perseverance

Examples of "Hiatus" in a Sentence

Seeing "hiatus" in different sentence contexts can clarify its meaning and usage.

  1. The TV show went on a hiatus for the summer break.
  2. After five years of continuous work, she took a much-needed hiatus.
  3. The band's hiatus left fans eagerly waiting for their return.
  4. Due to financial issues, the company had to take a brief hiatus from production.
  5. His academic hiatus gave him time to travel and explore new interests.
  6. There was a noticeable hiatus in the ancient manuscript, indicating missing pages.
  7. She decided to take a social media hiatus to focus on her mental health.
  8. The newspaper publication experienced a temporary hiatus due to a labor strike.
  9. The professor discussed the phonetic hiatus between two vowel sounds in French.
  10. The sudden hiatus in their friendship made things awkward when they reunited.

Frequency of Use

The word "hiatus" is moderately common in both formal and informal communication. It is frequently used in media, academia, and professional settings, often referring to temporary breaks or pauses in work, entertainment, or activities.

Variants of "Hiatus"

"Hiatus" does not have many variations, but there are a few related forms used in different contexts.

  1. Hiatal: An adjective form referring to something related to a hiatus, such as a "hiatal hernia."
  2. Hiatuses: The plural form of "hiatus," though "hiatus" is often used singularly to refer to multiple interruptions.

Related Terms to "Hiatus"

Understanding related words can help clarify the meaning and usage of "hiatus."

  1. Interruption
  2. Break
  3. Pause
  4. Recess
  5. Interim
  6. Intermission
  7. Suspension
  8. Gap
  9. Discontinuity
  10. Disruption

Etymology: History and Origins of "Hiatus"

"Hiatus" comes from the Latin word "hiatus," meaning "opening" or "gap," which derives from "hiare," meaning "to gape or yawn." First used in the late 16th century, it originally referred to literal physical gaps before shifting to broader figurative uses like interruptions in activity. By the 18th century, the word became common in English to mark absences or pauses.

Derivatives and Compounds of "Hiatus"

"Hiatus" has a few derivatives and compounds that expand its meaning.

  1. Hiatal hernia: A medical condition where part of the stomach pushes through the diaphragm.
  2. Hiatus period: A specific time frame of interruption or break.
  3. Hiatus gap: A missing section in a sequence, document, or process.

Common Misspellings of "Hiatus"

"Hiatus" is often misspelled in various ways. Here are some common errors:

  1. Haitus
  2. Hiatous
  3. Hietus
  4. Hyatus

10 Idioms Similar to "Hiatus"

Here are ten idioms that convey ideas similar to "hiatus":

  1. Take a breather
  2. On hold
  3. Take a break
  4. Step back
  5. Time-out
  6. Give it a rest
  7. Put on pause
  8. Break in continuity
  9. Cooling-off period
  10. Go on sabbatical

10 Common Questions About "Hiatus"

People often ask questions about the meaning and usage of "hiatus." Here are some of the most common inquiries:

1. What is the basic definition of "hiatus"?

"Hiatus" refers to a break, gap, or interruption in continuity, whether in time, sequence, or activity.

2. Can "hiatus" be used to describe a break in communication?

Yes, "hiatus" can refer to a temporary pause in conversations, friendships, or professional discussions.

3. What is the difference between "hiatus" and "recess"?

"Hiatus" generally refers to a longer or undefined pause, while "recess" is often used for short, scheduled breaks, such as in school or court settings.

4. How can "hiatus" be used in a sentence?

You can say, "The actor took a hiatus from filming to focus on family life" or "The journal experienced a publishing hiatus due to financial difficulties."

5. What are common phrases that include "hiatus"?

Some common phrases include "go on hiatus," "take a hiatus," and "return from hiatus."

6. What is the phonetic pronunciation of "hiatus"?

The phonetic pronunciation is /haɪˈeɪ.t̬əs/, with stress on the second syllable: "high-AY-tus."

7. Is "hiatus" commonly used in media and entertainment?

Yes, the term is frequently used in TV, music, and publishing to describe temporary breaks in production or creative work.

8. What are synonyms of "hiatus"?

Some synonyms include "pause," "break," "interruption," and "intermission."

9. What are antonyms of "hiatus"?

Antonyms include "continuation," "flow," and "uninterrupted sequence."

10. Can "hiatus" be used in a medical context?

Yes, "hiatus" appears in medical terms like "hiatal hernia," which refers to a gap in the diaphragm where the stomach protrudes.

Conclusion

The word "hiatus" refers to a break, gap, or pause in continuity and is widely used in various fields, from entertainment to linguistics. It plays a crucial role in describing interruptions in time, processes, and communication. Expanding your vocabulary with words like "hiatus" enhances clarity and precision in speech and writing.

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