parting
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“Their parting at the airport was very emotional because they wouldn't see each other for a year.”
In context“The final parting between the two diplomats was marked by a cold, formal handshake that suggested no further negotiations would occur.”
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“He used a comb to make a straight parting on the left side of his head.”
In context“The stylist suggested a jagged parting to add volume to her fine hair, rather than the severe central line she usually wore.”
UsageIn American English, this is usually called a 'part'.
Teacher's tipLearners should be aware that 'parting' is the standard term in the UK, while 'part' is preferred in the US.
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The parting of the heavy curtains revealed a beautiful view of the mountains.”
In context“Geologists identified a distinct parting in the coal seam, indicating a shift in the rock strata over millions of years.”
- 04 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'.
Simple“His parting words to the team were full of encouragement for the next season.”
In context“As she walked out the door, she delivered a stinging parting shot that left the room in stunned silence.”
By surface analysis, part + -ing.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.