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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  • What's your first language? (This helps me account for potential sound differences.)

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

Practice with vocabulary separation

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The couple agreed to a legal ______ while they worked through their differences, hoping to reconcile eventually.
  2. For data security, a clear logical ______ between the development and production environments is crucial.
  3. The Berlin Wall symbolized the stark ideological ______ between East and West during the Cold War.
  4. He often felt a sense of emotional ______ from his colleagues, despite working in a collaborative team.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The company implemented a strict policy regarding the ______ of waste materials for recycling. A) compilation B) distribution C) separation D) integration

  2. Which of the following terms could describe the act of keeping distinct categories of data apart for security purposes? A) partitioning B) unification C) isolation D) amalgamation E) separation

  3. After years of close collaboration, the two departments decided on a formal ______ of their financial records. A) combination B) merger C) separation D) synthesis

  4. The speaker drew a clear ______ between facts and opinions in the debate. A) fusion B) distinction C) convergence D) amalgamation

  5. Employees who were part of the recent corporate restructuring received a ______ package upon their departure. A) cohesion B) severance C) consolidation D) integration

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The judge ordered that the children live apart from their parents for their own safety. Rewrite using "separation":

  2. It is important to keep personal and professional matters distinct. Rewrite using "separation":

  3. The sudden end of diplomatic ties caused a significant strain in international relations. Rewrite without using "separation" but with a suitable replacement word:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. separation
  2. separation
  3. division
  4. isolation

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) separation
  2. A) partitioning, C) isolation, E) separation
  3. C) separation
  4. B) distinction
  5. B) severance

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The judge ordered the separation of the children from their parents for their own safety.
  2. Maintaining a clear separation between personal and professional matters is important.
  3. The sudden rupture of diplomatic ties caused a significant strain in international relations.

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