separation
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the state of being apart or the act of moving things away from each other.
the act of disuniting two or more things, or the condition of being separated.
Simple“The separation of the two chemicals must be done very carefully in the lab.”
In context“The physical separation of the two departments led to a noticeable breakdown in daily communication and collaborative problem-solving.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a gap or space that keeps two things apart.
an interval, gap, or physical space that divides things or people.
Simple“There was a small separation between the two buildings where a path ran.”
In context“The safety regulations require a minimum separation of five metres between the fuel storage tanks and the main office block.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
when a married couple decides to live in different homes but stays legally married.
the condition of a married couple living in separate residences while remaining legally married, often as a precursor to divorce.
Simple“After years of arguing, the couple agreed to a legal separation.”
In context“The lawyer explained that a formal separation agreement would address child custody and asset division without dissolving the marriage entirely.”
SynonymsbreakupestrangementAntonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
the act of leaving a job or the military.
the termination of a contractual relationship, specifically departure from active military duty or employment.
Simple“He received his official separation papers from the army last week.”
In context“The human resources department handled the involuntary separation of several hundred employees following the merger of the two firms.”
UsageOften used in administrative or military contexts to describe the end of service.
SynonymsAntonyms
Usage complete separation
“Parents have told BBC Panorama the agency tasked with helping to secure financial support for children after separation or divorce is driving them to breaking point.”
“Scientists have discovered that tiny, sharply curved wrinkles in graphene can dramatically alter its electrical behavior, creating surprisingly strong charge separation.”
Attested in the 15th Century C.E.; from Middle English separacioun, from Old French separacion, from Latin separatio, separationem. Morphologically separate + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.