Cool MateDeparture vs Resignation
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Departure
Resignation
| Departure | Resignation | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈpɑːtʃə(r)/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈpɑːrtʃər/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˌrezɪɡˈneɪʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˌrezɪɡˈneɪʃn/"]/ |
| Meaning | The act of leaving a place. | Giving up a job or position. |
| Example | The departure of the flight was delayed due to bad weather. | Her resignation from the company shocked all her colleagues who admired her dedication. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Collocations | abrupt, sudden, hasty, make, hasten, delay, point, date, time, before departure, prior to departure, on departure, the day, time, etc. of departure, the point of departure, abrupt, sudden, hasty, make, hasten, delay, point, date, time, before departure, prior to departure, on departure, the day, time, etc. of departure, the point of departure, new, big, complete, be, mark, represent, departure from | immediate, shock, sudden, hand in, submit, tender, be effective, become effective, letter, announcement, speech, resignation as, resignation from, a call for somebody’s resignation, a letter of resignation, resignation on (the) grounds of something, immediate, shock, sudden, hand in, submit, tender, be effective, become effective, letter, announcement, speech, resignation as, resignation from, a call for somebody’s resignation, a letter of resignation, resignation on (the) grounds of something, weary, quiet, in resignation, with resignation, resignation to, a look of resignation, a sigh of resignation |
| Antonyms | arrival | employment, retention |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'departure' when meaning 'arrival'., Incorrectly using 'depart' instead of 'departure' as a noun., Using 'departure' without indicating what is being departed from. | Confused with 'resign' as a verb instead of the noun 'resignation'., Using 'resignation' in informal settings where 'quitting' would be more appropriate. |
| Usage notes | Use 'departure' in contexts about travel or leaving. It’s neutral and suitable for formal and casual situations but may not be the best choice for very informal conversations. | Use 'resignation' in formal contexts, such as business or official communications. Avoid in casual conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Departure vs Resignation
What's the difference between Departure and Resignation?
Departure: The act of leaving a place. Resignation: Giving up a job or position.
Which is more formal: Departure and Resignation?
Resignation is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Departure and Resignation?
Departure is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Departure and Resignation?
Resignation is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Departure and Resignation the same CEFR level?
Departure: B1, Resignation: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Departure and Resignation?
Departure: noun, Resignation: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Departure: The departure of the flight was delayed due to bad weather. Resignation: Her resignation from the company shocked all her colleagues who admired her dedication.
Can I use Departure and Resignation interchangeably?
Not always. Departure and Resignation are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.