breakup
Breakup (noun) means the end of a romantic relationship. Example: “Their breakup was hard on both of them.”
How to use breakup
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost commonly, the ending of a relationship; more broadly, any disintegration or division.
Word forms
breakups plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Their _____ was hard on both of them.
Etymology
A deverbal noun from the phrasal verb break up.
Synonyms
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Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “breakup” mean?
The word “breakup” means the end of a romantic relationship. In plain terms, most commonly, the ending of a relationship; more broadly, any disintegration or division.
How do you pronounce “breakup”?
“Breakup” is pronounced BRAYK-uhp (/ˈbɹeɪk.ʌp/ in IPA).
How do you use “breakup” in a sentence?
Here is “breakup” used in a sentence: “Their breakup was hard on both of them.”
What is the opposite of “breakup”?
The opposite of “breakup” — its antonyms — is freeze-up.
What part of speech is “breakup”?
“Breakup” is a noun.
Is “breakup” a common word?
“Breakup” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “breakup” have?
“Breakup” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the end of a romantic relationship.
What is the difference between "breakup" (noun) and "break up" (verb phrase)?
"Breakup" is written as one word when used as a noun for the end of a relationship or something splitting apart, as in "the breakup was hard." "Break up" is written as two words when used as a verb, as in "they decided to break up."
What is the difference between a breakup and a divorce?
A breakup generally refers to the end of any romantic relationship, including ones that aren't legally recognized, while a divorce specifically refers to the legal ending of a marriage. All divorces involve a breakup, but not all breakups involve a divorce.
Can "breakup" refer to things other than relationships?
Yes, "breakup" can also describe the act of something splitting apart or coming to an end more generally, such as "the breakup of the old regime" or "the breakup of ice on a river."
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