Recess Is a Break, an Alcove and a Withdrawal
A recess is a pause in proceedings, and a space set back in a wall. Both come from the idea of drawing back.
A recess is a break in proceedings, and also a space set back in a wall. Both come from Latin *recedere*, to draw back — the same verb as *recede*. Parliament goes into recess by withdrawing, and an alcove recedes from the wall's surface. American schools use the word for the playground break that British schools call playtime.
- A break in proceedings. *The summer recess.*
- An alcove. *A recess beside the fireplace.*
- A school break (American). *At recess.*
- Recesses — hidden inner parts. *The recesses of the mind.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | recess | A deep recess. |
| Plural | recesses | Dark recesses. |
| Verb | recess | Parliament recessed. |
| Adjective | recessed | Recessed lighting. |
| Related | recede | The tide recedes. |
How it is used in a sentence
- Parliament rose for the summer recess.A break in sitting.
- Recessed lighting sits within the ceiling.Set back.
- A recession is an economic drawing back.From the same verb.
Words from *recedere*
- Recess — a drawing back
- Recede — to move back
- Recession — an economic contraction
- Recessive — a gene whose effect draws back behind a dominant one
- Cede — the base verb, to yield
From Latin *recessus*, a going back, from *recedere*, from *re*, back, and *cedere*, to go.
Recess or playtime?
Recess is American for the school break. British schools say playtime or break.
What makes a gene recessive?
It only produces its effect when both inherited copies carry it, drawing back behind any dominant version.