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Nederlands
onderbreken — meaning in English: interrupt
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interrupt
vlucht
veranderen
zoals
verloochenen
onderbreken
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neutral
common
Usage
Native Dutch speakers often use 'onderbreken' in various contexts, such as during meetings or classroom discussions when someone needs to interject or clarify a point. It can also be used in everyday conversations when someone is momentarily distracted by an outside noise or a phone call.
Synonyms & nuances
'Onderbreken' is similar to 'storen', which means 'to disturb', but the former implies a temporary interruption in conversation or activity, while the latter can denote a more disruptive action. Choose 'onderbreken' when you want to convey a brief pause in dialogue, whereas 'storen' carries a stronger negative connotation of annoyance.
Culture
'Onderbreken' comes from the Dutch roots 'onder' meaning 'under' and 'breken' meaning 'to break', which literally translates to 'to break under'. This word reflects the Dutch cultural emphasis on direct communication, where interrupting is often seen as a necessary part of ensuring clarity and engagement in conversation, rather than a breach of etiquette.
FAQ
