Separation Meaning
Separation Definition & Usage
The action or state of moving or being moved apart or divided.
Examples
- "The separation between the two countries was marked by a heavily guarded border."
- "There was a clear separation between the workers' and managers' areas."
- "The couple struggled with the emotional separation after many years of marriage."
- "The separation of church and state is a principle that has shaped modern democratic systems."
- "The separation of waste into recyclables and non-recyclables helps reduce landfill waste."
The state of being apart from someone or something, especially in a personal or emotional sense.
Examples
- "Their emotional separation was evident as they no longer communicated regularly."
- "The separation of the child from their parents caused a lot of anxiety."
- "After their long separation, they reunited at the airport with tears of joy."
- "Divorce often involves legal separation before the official dissolution of the marriage."
- "The emotional separation felt by the family after the loss of their patriarch was overwhelming."
The official ending or breaking up of an association or union, such as a country, organization, or marriage.
Examples
- "The separation of the two companies was finalized after months of negotiation."
- "The country's separation from the empire marked a turning point in its history."
- "The legal separation between the couple allowed them to live apart while resolving financial matters."
- "After the separation of powers doctrine was established, the branches of government were able to function independently."
- "Many countries experienced separations from colonial rule during the 20th century."
Cultural Context
Separation is a concept that appears in many areas of life, from legal and political matters to social and emotional contexts. The term is particularly prominent in discussions about relationships, government systems, and physical boundaries. It is also central to discussions about divorce, territorial disputes, and the creation of new states or entities.
A Separation of Paths
Story
A Separation of Paths
It was a bright, early morning when Emma found herself standing at the edge of a long dirt road, looking down two diverging paths. She had always been close to her family, but the separation had been inevitable. Her parents, after years of tension, had decided to part ways. The decision came after months of discussions, arguments, and silence in their once lively home. Emma had felt the emotional separation long before the legal one. The house, once full of warmth and shared laughter, now felt empty. Her mother had moved into a small apartment in the city, while her father stayed in their old home, surrounded by the memories of a family that no longer existed. Her friends didn’t quite understand. 'You’re so strong, Emma. It’s just a separation,' they’d say, as though it were just a word, a small thing that could be overcome with time. But Emma knew it was more than that. The emotional weight of it all pressed down on her heart. One day, Emma walked down to the lake, sitting by the water to reflect. As she looked across the shimmering surface, she realized that while the separation between her parents was painful, it was also a necessary step for them both to find peace. They had been drifting apart for years, and their separation, though hard, was ultimately the first step towards healing. When she returned home that evening, she felt lighter. The emotional separation was still there, but she understood now. It wasn’t the end, just a new beginning—a moment of personal clarity amid the chaos of change.