Word
parting
Phoneticspart·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɑɹtɪŋ/
UK/pˈɑːtɪŋ/
Definitions
01saying goodbye
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. the act of leaving someone or saying goodbye, often for a long time.
n. the act of departing or taking leave of someone, often implying a significant or final separation.
“Their parting at the airport was very emotional because they wouldn't see each other for a year.”
“The final parting between the two diplomats was marked by a cold, formal handshake that suggested no further negotiations would occur.”
Synonyms
02line in hair
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun British English
n. the line on your head where you comb your hair in two different directions.
n. the line of scalp visible when hair is combed in opposite directions.
“He used a comb to make a straight parting on the left side of his head.”
“The stylist suggested a jagged parting to add volume to her fine hair, rather than the severe central line she usually wore.”
Usage
In American English, this is usually called a 'part'.
Teaching tip
Learners should be aware that 'parting' is the standard term in the UK, while 'part' is preferred in the US.
Synonyms
03physical separation
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Technical
n. the act of dividing or splitting something into two or more pieces.
n. the act of dividing, separating, or breaking apart; often used in technical contexts like geology or engineering.
“The parting of the heavy curtains revealed a beautiful view of the mountains.”
“Geologists identified a distinct parting in the coal seam, indicating a shift in the rock strata over millions of years.”
04final or leaving
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. given or done at the moment of leaving.
adj. given, said, or done at the moment of departure; often used in the fixed phrase 'parting shot'.
“His parting words to the team were full of encouragement for the next season.”
“As she walked out the door, she delivered a stinging parting shot that left the room in stunned silence.”
Real-World Examples
“To say goodbye to him, she wrote I Will Always Love You , a song that many think is about two lovers parting ways.” “To stand out, he suggests using glitter in hair partings or your shoulders.” Etymology
By surface analysis, part + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Idioms
02. parting shot
Domains
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/parting