separation

separation — noun

1. an instance or state in which people, objects, or ideas that were once together

1.nounB2
Definition

an instance or state in which people, objects, or ideas that were once together are no longer joined or connected, whether in space, time, or relationship.

Example

The separation of the twins at birth was unavoidable because they needed different medical care.

separation + of + noun phrase for things taken apart

A low wall creates a clear separation between the seating area and the vegetable patch.

separation + between + two spaces

Common collocations
  • separation of powers
  • separation of church and state
  • separation anxiety
  • long separation
  • temporary separation
  • clear separation
  • physical separation
  • geographical separation
Synonyms
  • division

    focuses more on the act of cutting or splitting something into parts, often more deliberate than 'separation'

  • split

    more informal; suggests a sudden or forceful parting, often used for groups or relationships

  • partition

    refers specifically to a physical divider (wall, screen) or the act of dividing a space

  • detachment

    implies emotional distance or neutrality; often used in psychological contexts

Antonyms
  • union

    the state of being joined or united

  • connection

    a link or bond between people or things

Grammar Patterns

separation + of + noun phrase (of people/things)

separation + between + plural noun phrase

Usage Note

Often used with the preposition 'of' to name what is being separated, or 'between' to name the two groups or things being kept apart. The uncountable form is the most common; the countable form (e.g. 'a separation from one's family') emphasises a specific period or instance.

Common Mistakes

The separation among the two groups lasted a year.
The separation between the two groups lasted a year.
Use 'between', not 'among', when referring to two specific groups or things.

2. a legal or informal arrangement in which a married couple live in separate homes

2.nounB2
Definition

a legal or informal arrangement in which a married couple live in separate homes and lead separate lives while still remaining legally married, sometimes as a step towards divorce.

Example

Heather agreed to a trial separation from her husband, hoping time apart might help.

trial separation — temporary arrangement with possibility of reconciliation

After filing for legal separation, Mira kept the apartment while Kian moved across town.

legal separation — formal court-recognised arrangement

Common collocations
  • legal separation
  • trial separation
  • marital separation
  • judicial separation
  • separation agreement
  • separation from spouse
  • couple separation
  • period of separation
Synonyms
  • split

    informal; can refer to ending any romantic relationship, not just marriage

  • parting

    gentler, less formal; can refer to any kind of farewell, not just marital

  • breakup

    informal; usually implies the relationship has ended entirely, unlike a legal separation

Antonyms
  • reconciliation

    the process of a separated couple getting back together

  • marriage

    the state of being married and living together as a couple

Grammar Patterns

separation + from + person (spouse)

legal/judicial separation

trial separation

Usage Note

Distinguish from 'divorce': in a separation the couple remain legally married and are not free to remarry. A 'trial separation' is informal and usually temporary; a 'legal separation' is a formal court order that settles finances, custody, and living arrangements without ending the marriage.

Common Mistakes

They got a separation and are now free to marry other people.
They got a separation but are still legally married
they cannot remarry until they divorce.' — Separation does not dissolve the marriage; only divorce does.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words describe a state of being apart, but they differ in scope and concreteness. 'Separation' is the broadest term: it can refer to physical, temporal, or emotional distance between people, objects, or ideas ('the separation of the two friends during college'). 'Division' emphasises the act of carefully cutting or distributing a whole into parts, often with a sense of order or purpose ('the division of labour in the team'). 'Split' is more informal and suggests a sudden or forceful rupture, especially in relationships or groups ('a split in the political party'). 'Partition' is the most concrete, pointing to a physical divider like a wall or screen ('a glass partition between offices'), though it can also apply metaphorically to the division of a country or territory. In everyday writing, use 'separation' for general contexts, 'split' for informal relationship talk, and 'division' or 'partition' when the dividing line is clear and deliberate.

separation ↗division ↗split ↗partition ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • separation of powers
  • separation of church and state
  • trial separation
  • legal separation

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchEnglish

The word 'separation' entered English through Old French 'separacion', from Latin 'separatio' — the noun form of 'separare', which combines 'se-' (meaning 'apart') and 'parare' ('to prepare, to put'). The core image is that of 'setting something apart' from something else. First recorded in English around the 14th century.