Definitions
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- noun A
pause that gives theimpression that it will be followed by somethingsignificant .
Etymologies
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Examples
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mialuthien commented on the word pregnant pause
As per Chained_Bear's suggestion (see a resounding silence). Does someone know of the origin of this phrase? Otherwise, I can't help but wonder who knocked up the pause and is the lucky father...
July 25, 2008
chained_bear commented on the word pregnant pause
I don't know--I'll try to find out--but it does seem to make sense. A pause that is, you know, really FULL... Expectant... Waiting...
July 25, 2008
mialuthien commented on the word pregnant pause
Yes, yes, yes, but when is it due? *taps foot* You can't wait indefinitely, as far as I know (and far be it from me to know).
July 25, 2008
bilby commented on the word pregnant pause
What does a pregnant pause give birth to?
July 25, 2008
dontcry commented on the word pregnant pause
A pregnant pause gives birth to, usually, an uncomfortable situation. Just like a pregnant woman!
July 25, 2008
skipvia commented on the word pregnant pause
A dependent clause?
July 25, 2008
chained_bear commented on the word pregnant pause
Oh, ha, ha, ha!! Score one for skipvia!! You win. :)
July 25, 2008
bilby commented on the word pregnant pause
But, but, but daddy, where do independent clauses come from?
July 25, 2008
skipvia commented on the word pregnant pause
It's like this, bilby. When a subject and an object love each other very much, they might get together to form a sentence. It's called "conjunction," and it's a very beautiful act. And if conjunction works, pretty soon a little dependent clause may come to live with them.
Like the one in the second sentence above.
Now, go ask your mother...
July 25, 2008
chained_bear commented on the word pregnant pause
(score two...)
July 25, 2008
mialuthien commented on the word pregnant pause
Wow, Skipvia, you win the internets today! That was a very well-thought out and age-appropriate explanation! And I'll never look at the word conjunction the same way again. *g*
July 25, 2008
reesetee commented on the word pregnant pause
Skip, you are truly a splendid piece of work. :-)
July 29, 2008