Word
demarcation
Phoneticsde·mar·ca·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌdimɑɹˈkeɪʃən/
UK/dɪmɑːkˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01a physical boundary
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. a clear line or border that separates two different areas of land.
n. the act of marking off a physical boundary or the limit itself, often established by political or military agreement.
“The river serves as a natural demarcation between the two countries.”
“Following the ceasefire, both nations agreed to a strict demarcation of the border to prevent further territorial disputes.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'between' or 'of'.
02a conceptual distinction
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Academic · Formal
n. a clear difference or limit between two ideas, jobs, or groups.
n. a strictly defined separation or distinction between different categories, roles, or concepts.
“There is a clear demarcation of responsibilities between the two departments.”
“The new policy lacks a sharp demarcation between professional duties and personal time, leading to employee burnout.”
Usage
Commonly appears in the phrase 'line of demarcation'.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“Meanwhile, the so-called yellow line, a demarcation established at the start of the ceasefire last October, keeps creeping forward as Israeli troops seize more of the territory.” “In many instances, the process starts with the redesignation and demarcation of land on official Israeli maps, with the Israeli Civil Administration’s “Blue Line Team” playing an important role.” Etymology
First recorded c.1752, from Spanish línea de demarcación and/or Portuguese linha de demarcação, the demarcation line laid down by the Pope on May 4, 1493, dividing the New World between Spain and Portugal on a line 100 leagues west of the Cape Verde Islands. Both derive from demarcar, from de- + marcar (“to mark”), from Italian marcare, from the same Germanic root as march.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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