Pause vs. Resume: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Pause refers to temporarily stopping an action or process, while resume means to start or continue again after a pause or interruption.
Key Differences
Pause refers to a temporary halt in an action, suggesting a brief interruption. Resume, on the other hand, denotes the action of starting again after a pause, implying a continuation of what was previously halted.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
Pause implies a deliberate stop for a short period, often to assess or reflect, while resume signifies the act of recommencing an activity or process that had been paused.
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Nov 27, 2023
In a pause, there is an implication of a brief, temporary break in activity. Conversely, to resume is to reinitiate the activity that was paused, picking up where one left off.
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Nov 27, 2023
Pause suggests a momentary cessation, which might be for rest or contemplation. Resume, in contrast, indicates a return to action or conversation, signaling an end to the pause.
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Nov 27, 2023
When one pauses, they temporarily disengage from an ongoing task. To resume means to re-engage in the same task or conversation after the interruption caused by the pause.
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Nov 27, 2023
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Comparison Chart
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Pause and Resume Definitions
Pause
Moment of uncertainty or delay.
His pause before answering was telling.
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Nov 21, 2023
Pause
To cease or suspend an action temporarily
She paused in her piano exercises to listen for the baby.
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Oct 19, 2023
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Pause
To cease or suspend the action of temporarily; stop for an interim
Paused the printer to add more paper.
Paused the DVD with the remote.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resume
A brief account of one's professional or work experience and qualifications, often submitted with an employment application.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pause
A break, stop, or rest, often for a calculated purpose or effect
After a dramatic pause, the lawyer finished her summation.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pause
A delay or suspended reaction, as from uncertainty; a hesitation
After a pause the audience broke into cheers.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resume
To assume, take, or occupy again
The dog resumed its post by the door.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pause
(Music) A sign, such as a fermata, indicating that a note or rest is to be held.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pause
A control mechanism on an audio or video player that halts the playing of a recording and permits playing to be easily resumed from the same point.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pause
(intransitive) To take a temporary rest, take a break for a short period after an effort.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resume
(transitive) To start (something) again that has been stopped or paused from the point at which it was stopped or paused; continue, carry on.
We will resume this discussion tomorrow at nine.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pause
(intransitive) To interrupt an activity and wait.
When telling the scary story, he paused for effect.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resume
(intransitive) To start again after an interruption or pause.
Normal service has resumed.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pause
(transitive) To halt the play or playback of, temporarily, so that it can be resumed from the same point.
To pause a song, a video, or a computer game
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Oct 19, 2023
Resume
A summary or account of education and employment experiences and qualifications; a curriculum vitae (often for presentation to a potential future employer when applying for a job).
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Oct 19, 2023
Resume
A summing up; a condensed statement; an abridgment or brief recapitulation.
The exellent little résumé thereof in Dr. Landsborough's book.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pause
A temporary stop or rest; an intermission of action; interruption; suspension; cessation.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resume
To take back.
The sun, like this, from which our sight we have,Gazed on too long, resumes the light he gave.
Perhaps God will resume the blessing he has bestowed ere he attains the age of manhood.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resume
To enter upon, or take up again.
Reason resumed her place, and Passion fled.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resume
To begin again; to recommence, as something which has been interrupted; as, to resume an argument or discourse.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pause
In writing and printing, a mark indicating the place and nature of an arrest of voice in reading; a punctuation mark.
Teach the pupil to mind the pauses.
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Oct 19, 2023
Resume
Return to a previous location or condition;
The painting resumed its old condition when we restored it
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Oct 19, 2023
Pause
A temporary stop or rest; an intermission of action; interruption; suspension; cessation.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pause
Temporary inaction or waiting; hesitation; suspence; doubt.
I stand in pause where I shall first begin.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pause
In speaking or reading aloud, a brief arrest or suspension of voice, to indicate the limits and relations of sentences and their parts.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pause
In writing and printing, a mark indicating the place and nature of an arrest of voice in reading; a punctuation point; as, teach the pupil to mind the pauses.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pause
A break or paragraph in writing.
He writes with warmth, which usually neglects method, and those partitions and pauses which men educated in schools observe.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pause
To make a short stop; to cease for a time; to intermit speaking or acting; to stop; to wait; to rest.
Pausing a while, thus to herself she mused.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pause
To hesitate; to hold back; to delay.
Why doth the Jew pause? Take thy forfeiture.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pause
A time interval during which there is a temporary cessation of something
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Oct 19, 2023
Pause
Interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing;
The speaker paused
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Oct 19, 2023
Pause
Cease an action temporarily;
We pause for station identification
Let's break for lunch
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Oct 19, 2023
Pause
A brief stop in speech or action.
She took a pause to gather her thoughts.
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Nov 21, 2023
Pause
A temporary cessation of sound.
A pause filled the room after the announcement.
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Nov 21, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Can pause be used in writing?
Yes, pause in writing indicates a break in the narrative or dialogue.
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Nov 27, 2023
Is a pause always silent?
A pause is usually silent but can be filled with non-verbal cues.
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Nov 27, 2023
What does pause mean in conversation?
In conversation, a pause is a brief stop in speech, often for emphasis or thought.
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Nov 27, 2023
What does it mean to resume a TV show?
To resume a TV show means to start watching it again after having paused it.
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Nov 27, 2023
How is resume used in a work setting?
In a work setting, resume means to start working again after a break.
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Nov 27, 2023
How do you indicate a resume in conversation?
In conversation, resume is indicated by continuing where one left off.
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Nov 27, 2023
Can pause be used as a noun and verb?
Yes, pause can be both a noun (a break) and a verb (to stop temporarily).
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Nov 27, 2023
How does resume function in a job application?
In job applications, resume (résumé) refers to a summary of qualifications.
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Nov 27, 2023
Can pause be used in music?
In music, a pause indicates a rest or break in the rhythm.
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Nov 27, 2023
What does resume mean in a legal context?
In a legal context, resume means to continue court proceedings after a break.
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Nov 27, 2023
What is the difference between resume and restart?
Resume means to continue after a pause, while restart implies beginning anew.
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Nov 27, 2023
Are pauses important in public speaking?
Yes, pauses are crucial in public speaking for emphasis and audience engagement.
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Nov 27, 2023
Does a pause always have a set duration?
No, the duration of a pause can be indefinite and varies by context.
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Nov 27, 2023
Is resume always related to prior activity?
Yes, resume typically involves continuing a previously paused activity.
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Nov 27, 2023
Does pause imply a definite end?
No, a pause implies a temporary stop, not a definitive end.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
Can resume be used in technology?
In technology, resume refers to continuing a process after interruption.
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Nov 27, 2023
What impact does a pause have in drama?
In drama, a pause can build suspense or provide dramatic effect.
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Nov 27, 2023
Can a machine be paused and resumed?
Yes, machines can be paused and resumed, especially in digital contexts.
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Nov 27, 2023
Is pause always deliberate?
A pause is often deliberate but can sometimes be unintentional.
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Nov 27, 2023
Can resume be used without previously pausing?
Typically, resume is used when there has been a prior pause or stop.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 27, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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