Word
estranged
Phoneticses·tranged, stress on the second syllable
US/ɛˈstɹeɪndʒd/
UK/ɛstɹˈeɪndʒd/
Definition
adj. no longer close or friendly with someone, especially a family member. It describes a relationship where people have stopped talking to each other.
adj. describing a person who is no longer living with or on friendly terms with a spouse, relative, or close associate. Often used predicatively after 'become' or 'remain'.
Examples
“He has been estranged from his brother for five years.”
“After a long argument about the family business, the two sisters became estranged and did not speak for a decade.”
“The novel explores the painful journey of an estranged father attempting to reconcile with his daughter after years of silence and mutual resentment.”
Examples
simple
“He has been estranged from his brother for five years.”
contextual
“After a long argument about the family business, the two sisters became estranged and did not speak for a decade.”
complex
“The novel explores the painful journey of an estranged father attempting to reconcile with his daughter after years of silence and mutual resentment.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “estranged” in context.
Usage
Typically takes the preposition 'from' to indicate the person or group no longer in contact.
Pitfall
He is estranged with his family.
He is estranged from his family.
The adjective 'estranged' collocations with 'from', not 'with'.
Real-World Examples
“That included online messages in which she ranted about her in-laws as well as her estranged husband Simon Patterson, at one point calling him a "deadbeat".” “Glyn Razzell, 66, was jailed for life in 2003 after being convicted of murdering his estranged wife Linda, who disappeared in Swindon the year before.” - 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
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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