Separation
ˌsɛpəˈreɪʃən
Definitions
3 meaningsThe act or state of being separated or the condition of being kept apart.
ˌsɛpəˈreɪʃən
The act or state of being separated.
The separation of the twins at birth was a difficult decision.
💡 Simply: It's when things or people are kept apart. Like when you separate your toys or when parents live in different homes after an argument.
👶 For kids: When things or people are not together anymore.
More Examples
The judge ordered a separation of assets during the divorce proceedings.
After years of fighting, the couple decided to seek a separation.
How It's Used
"The couple filed for separation."
"The separation was a difficult time for both of them."
"The separation of the isotopes was a complex process."
A space or interval by which things or people are separated.
ˌsɛpəˈreɪʃən
A space or interval by which things are separated.
There was a considerable separation between the two islands.
💡 Simply: The distance or gap between two things. Like the space between your hands or the distance between two houses.
👶 For kids: The space between things.
More Examples
The separation between the layers of sediment indicated different geological periods.
The separation allowed for a quiet space.
How It's Used
"The separation between the two charges was measured."
"The separation between the buildings allowed for better air flow."
The act of extracting or isolating something from a mixture or compound.
ˌsɛpəˈreɪʃən
The act of extracting or isolating something.
The separation of gold from ore requires careful chemical processes.
💡 Simply: When you take something out of a mix. Like when you separate the different parts of a salad or when a machine sorts out different objects.
👶 For kids: Taking something out of a group.
More Examples
The scientist worked on the separation of proteins from the cell sample.
Filtration allows the separation of solid particles from a liquid.
How It's Used
"The separation of the components was crucial to the experiment."
"The separation of cream from milk is a standard process."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
separation anxiety
Distress experienced when separated from a loved one.
"The child suffered from separation anxiety when his parents left for work."
From Latin *separatio*, from *separare* 'to separate'. The word has been used in English since the late 14th century.
Used since the late 14th century to describe a process or state of being apart. Early usage often related to legal or familial situations.
Memory tip
Think of a divided line: separation creates a space between things.
Word Origin
"to divide or separate"