recess

B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Law Formal

n. a time when a court or parliament stops its work for a short period.

n. a temporary suspension of proceedings in a legislative body or court of law.

“The judge called for a short recess so the lawyers could talk privately.”

“The Senate went into recess for the summer, leaving several key pieces of legislation pending until the autumn session.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Architecture

n. a small space created by part of a wall being further back than the rest.

n. a small hollow, indentation, or alcove set back from the main surface of a wall.

“We put a small bookshelf into the recess next to the fireplace.”

“The architect designed a deep recess in the hallway to accommodate a floor-to-ceiling mirror without obstructing the walkway.”

C1 · Advanced Plural noun Literary

n. the deep, hidden, or private parts of something, like your mind.

n. the remote, secret, or innermost parts of a physical space or an abstract concept like the human psyche.

“He kept his darkest fears hidden in the furthest recesses of his mind.”

“Explorers ventured into the dark recesses of the cavern, discovering ancient rock formations that had never been documented.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Law Formal · American English

v. to stop a meeting or a court case for a short time.

v. to suspend proceedings or take a formal break, particularly in a legal or governmental context.

“The committee decided to recess for lunch and meet again at two o'clock.”

“The trial was recessed until Monday morning to allow the jury time to review the newly submitted evidence.”

C1 · Advanced Architecture Technical

v. to build or place something so that it is further back than the surface around it.

v. to set a surface or object back into a wall or larger structure.

“The designer chose to recess the lights into the ceiling for a modern look.”

“By recessing the windows into the thick stone walls, the builders provided natural shading from the intense midday sun.”