noun · neutral
separation
UK/ˌsepəˈreɪʃən/US/ˌsɛpəˈreɪʃən/se·pa·RA·tion
the action of separating or being separated; in family contexts, the state of living apart from a partner without divorcing
Examples
“After months of arguments they agreed on a legal separation.”
“Temporary separation can sometimes help couples re-evaluate their relationship.”
“The separation of duties in the company improved accountability.”
Band 8 sentence
“They chose a period of separation to reassess their priorities before deciding whether to pursue a divorce.”
Collocations
- legal separation
- temporary separation
- separation agreement
Word family
Common mistakes
They had a separation last year meaning they divorced.→They separated last year. / They got a divorce last year.
We are in separation.→We are separated. / We are in a separation.
Say it for a higher band
5split→6break up→7+separation
Synonyms
split
breakup
Easily confused
divorce
“They were separated for two years before they finally divorced.”
break up
“The band broke up after ten years together.”
Related words
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In Family & Relationships
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