What is separation? Pronunciation and usage in English

separation means . Learn how to pronounce and use separation through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of separation

separationnoun

/ˌsɛpəˈreɪʃn/
Definition & pronunciation of separation

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "separation" in English. Here's a breakdown with phonetic approximations and tips:

Phonetic Transcription (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

/ˌsɛp.əˈreɪ.ʃən/

Explanation:

  • ˌsɛp: (Sep) - This is the beginning of the word.
    • s - pronounced as in "sun"
    • ɛ - This is a short, open “e” sound, like in “bed” or “let.”
  • əˈreɪ: (Reh-ay) - This is the stressed part of the word.
    • ə - This is a schwa sound, a very short, neutral vowel sound, like the "a" in "about." It’s often difficult to hear, but it's crucial.
    • ˈreɪ - Pronounced “ray,” as in the color.
  • ʃən: (Shun) - The ending.
    • ʃ - This is the "sh" sound, as in "ship."
    • ən - This is a short "uh" sound, like in "sun" or "fun."

Putting it all together - A more conversational guide:

  1. "Sep": Say "sep" as in separate. Keep it short and quick.
  2. "Reh-ay": This is the stressed part. The “re” is a short sound, and the "ay" says like the letter "a" in "father." Make this syllable sound slightly longer than “sep.”
  3. "Shun": Finally, say “shun” like in "sun."

Tips for sounding natural:

  • Stress: The emphasis is on the second syllable ("re-ay"). This is the most important thing.
  • Schwa: Don't over-pronounce the “ə” in “re-ay.” It's a very relaxed, almost swallowed sound.
  • Smooth flow: Try to connect the syllables smoothly, rather than sounding choppy.

Resources for Hearing Pronunciation:

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Usage and examples with the word separation in English

Let's break down how to use the word "separation" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different meanings, so understanding the context is key. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. General Meaning: The act of being apart or distinct

  • Definition: This is the broadest meaning. It refers to the state of being divided or set apart.
  • Examples:
    • "There was a difficult separation between them after the argument." (They broke up)
    • “The separation of church and state is a fundamental principle in the United States.” (A division between religious and political power)
    • “He experienced a painful separation from his family when he moved to another country.” (They were apart)

2. Biological Separation (Most Common Usage)

  • Definition: This is probably the most frequent use of "separation" in modern English. It refers to the physical or cellular division of something.
  • Examples:
    • Cellular Separation: "Scientists are researching methods of separation to isolate stem cells." (Isolating cells)
    • DNA Separation: "The separation of DNA fragments is a crucial step in genetic analysis." (Separating pieces of DNA)
    • Blood Separation: “The centrifuge used to perform separation of blood components (red blood cells, plasma, etc.)”
    • "Separation of twins at birth is a difficult experience for both children.” (Physically dividing twins)

3. Psychological Separation

  • Definition: This refers to a psychological or emotional distancing, often from a painful memory, relationship, or feeling. It can be conscious or unconscious.
  • Examples:
    • "She needed a period of separation to deal with the grief after her loss." (Time apart to process emotions)
    • “He subconsciously maintained a separation between his work life and his personal life.” (He didn't let one affect the other)
    • “The therapist helped her to work through the separation of her past from her present.” (Disconnecting with the past)

4. Legal/Administrative Separation

  • Definition: A formal legal process of ending a marriage or relationship.
  • Examples:
    • "They went through a difficult separation before filing for divorce.” (A period before officially ending the marriage)
    • “The legal separation provided them with financial stability while they decided on their future.” (A legal arrangement without divorce)

5. Specific Processes (Technical Contexts)

  • Chromatography Separation: (In chemistry) A technique to separate components of a mixture.
  • Mechanical Separation: Using a machine to divide things (e.g., separating grains from chaff).

Key Words & Phrases Often Used with "Separation":

  • Process of separation: (e.g., "the process of separation was long and painful")
  • Physical separation: (emphasizing the physical act)
  • Emotional separation: (focusing on the feeling)
  • Complete separation: (total division)
  • Temporary separation: (a limited time apart)

Resources for More Information:

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  • What is the context you’re thinking about using “separation” in? (e.g., a scientific article, a personal story, a legal document, etc.)

Synonyms for the word separation

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