Parting
/ˈpɑːrtɪŋ/
Definitions
3 meaningsThe act of leaving or separating, often from a loved one or familiar place.
/ˈpɑːrtɪŋ/
The act of leaving or separating.
The parting of the Red Sea is a famous biblical event.
💡 Simply: Imagine saying goodbye to a friend who's moving away. The 'parting' is the moment you say your final goodbyes, a bittersweet moment filled with memories and perhaps a little sadness. Like when you finish your favorite show, the parting is when you see 'The End'.
👶 For kids: When you say goodbye and leave. Like when you leave your friends at the playground.
More Examples
Their unexpected parting caused a great deal of sadness.
She felt a pang of sadness at their parting.
How It's Used
"Their parting was filled with tears."
"The parting of the ways was inevitable."
A line or division, especially in hair.
/ˈpɑːrtɪŋ/
A line or division.
She styled her hair with a neat center parting.
💡 Simply: The 'parting' can also be the line in your hair when you comb it. It's the line that separates your hair into two sides, just like splitting a pizza in half or creating a road that parts the land.
👶 For kids: The line you make when you brush your hair to the side.
More Examples
The parting in the clouds signaled an approaching storm.
He carefully created a parting for his new hairstyle.
How It's Used
"She combed a clean parting in her hair."
"The parting in the clouds revealed a sliver of sun."
Occurring at the time of leaving or separating.
/ˈpɑːrtɪŋ/
Separating or dividing.
She received a parting gift from her colleagues.
💡 Simply: Imagine giving a friend a small gift when they move away. That 'parting' gift is something you give at the moment of their departure to remember your friendship, like a souvenir from a great trip.
👶 For kids: Happening when people say goodbye and leave.
More Examples
Their parting words were filled with emotion.
The parting ceremony was solemn and heartfelt.
How It's Used
"They exchanged parting words before their journeys."
"The parting gift was a token of appreciation."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
parting of the ways
The point at which two or more people or things separate and follow different courses.
"After years of collaboration, it was inevitable that they would reach the parting of the ways."
part ways
To separate or go in different directions.
"After the project was over, the team decided to part ways."
From Middle English *parting*, present participle of parten (to part), from Old French partir (to divide, share), from Latin partire (to divide, share).
The word 'parting' has been used in English for centuries, often in a romantic or sorrowful context, such as in poetry and literature describing farewells and separations.
Memory tip
Think of a ship *parting* from the dock—it's the moment of departure.
Word Origin
"To divide, share."