C1noun2K

Separation

UK /["/ˌsepəˈreɪʃn/"]/US /["/ˌsepəˈreɪʃn/"]/

Definition

the act of separating people or things; the state of being separate

In simple words: The action of moving apart or being apart.

Examples

  • The separation of the two companies was finalized last month.
  • They announced their separation after ten years of marriage.
  • Physical separation from her family during the pandemic was very difficult.
  • Separation of recyclable materials is necessary for efficient waste processing.
  • The chemical process involves a separation of components based on boiling point.
  • Separation anxiety is common in young children when they are apart from their parents.
  • The project required a clear separation of duties among team members.

Usage notes

Use 'separation' in both formal and neutral contexts. It might not be appropriate in casual conversations, where simpler terms like 'break' could be used instead.

Grammar pattern

separation + (from) + object

Memory hint

Think of 'separate' — when two people or things are taken apart.

Collocations

  • complete
  • total
  • clear
  • separation between
  • separation from
  • separation anxiety
  • separation of powers
  • complete
  • total
  • clear
  • separation between
  • separation from
  • separation anxiety
  • separation of powers
  • formal
  • judicial
  • legal
  • agreement
  • separation between
  • separation from

Synonyms

  • division
  • detachment
  • disconnection
  • split
  • partition

Antonyms

  • union
  • togetherness
  • connection

Common mistakes

  • 'Separating' used incorrectly as a noun instead of 'separation'.
  • Confusing 'separation' with 'divide' in contexts where a physical barrier is implied.