separation
sehp-uh-RAY-shuhn
Separation (noun) means the act or state of two or more things or people being kept or held apart. Example: “Keep a clear separation between raw meat and vegetables in the fridge.”
noun
1
The act or state of two or more things or people being kept or held apart.
"Keep a clear separation between raw meat and vegetables in the fridge."
"The separation of the two friends during the move was hard for both."
"The fence provides a clear separation between the properties."
2
A period during which a married couple lives apart, often before a divorce.
"After a year of separation, the couple decided to try again."
"The lawyer explained how a legal separation differs from a divorce."
"They agreed to a trial separation before deciding on divorce."
How to use separation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishBeing or keeping apart — whether of objects, people, or a married couple.
Common pairings
legal separation
trial separation
separation anxiety
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Word forms
- Plural
- separations
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Keep a clear _____ between raw meat and vegetables in the fridge.
Etymology
From Latin separatio, from separo, "to separate."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for separation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for separation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “separation” mean?
The word “separation” means the act or state of two or more things or people being kept or held apart. In plain terms, being or keeping apart — whether of objects, people, or a married couple.
How do you pronounce “separation”?
“Separation” is pronounced sehp-uh-RAY-shuhn (/ˌsɛp.əˈɹeɪ.ʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “separation” in a sentence?
Here is “separation” used in a sentence: “The fence provides a clear separation between the properties.”
What is another word for “separation”?
Words with a similar meaning to “separation” include detachment, departition, disassociation, disconnection, discontinuity and disengagement.
What is the opposite of “separation”?
The opposite of “separation” — its antonyms — is junction.
What part of speech is “separation”?
“Separation” is a noun.
Where does the word “separation” come from?
The word “separation” comes from Latin. From Latin separatio, from separo, "to separate.".
Is “separation” a common word?
“Separation” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between separation and divorce?
A separation is a period during which a married couple lives apart while remaining legally married. A divorce legally ends the marriage, so separation can be a step that comes before divorce but does not by itself dissolve the marriage.
What is the difference between separation and division?
Separation is the act or state of keeping things apart so they no longer touch or connect. Division is the act of splitting one whole into parts or shares, so separation stresses distance between items while division stresses breaking something up.
What is the difference between a trial separation and a legal separation?
A trial separation is an informal arrangement where a couple lives apart to decide about their relationship, with no court involvement. A legal separation is formalised by a court and can set out arrangements for finances and children while the marriage remains intact.
What preposition follows separation?
Separation is usually followed by 'from,' as in 'separation from family,' or 'of' when naming what is kept apart, as in 'the separation of powers.' 'Between' is used when two named things are held apart, as in 'the separation between church and state.'
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