separation
gb/sˌɛpɚˈeɪʃən/ us/sˌɛpɚˈeɪʃən/
B1
English
~ 6300
elválasztás, elkülönítés, különélés, szétválasztás, elhatárolás, eltávolodás, elidegenedés, távolság, rés, szeparáció, jogviszony megszűnése, leszerelés
NOUN
B1
1
elválasztás
B1
elkülönítés
B2
Usage pattern:
the separation of [A] and [B]; a separation between [A] and [B]
The separation of the two brothers at a young age had a lasting impact on them.
A két testvér fiatal korban történt elválasztása tartós hatással volt rájuk.
A thin wall provides separation between the office and the waiting area.
Egy vékony fal választja el az irodát a váróteremtől.
The animals are kept in different cages to maintain strict separation.
After the accident, the immediate separation of the vehicles was necessary for safety.
There must be clear separation between pedestrian paths and bike lanes.
Learner examples
The separation of the two classrooms makes the school less noisy.
A két tanterem elválasztása miatt kevésbé zajos az iskola.
We need more separation between the tables in this cafe.
Nagyobb távolságra van szükség az asztalok között ebben a kávézóban.
The teacher asked for separation of the groups for the next activity.
The fence gives separation between our garden and the street.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse the noun "separation" with the verb or adjective "separate." Use "separation" after articles or adjectives (e.g., "a clear separation"), and use "separate" to describe actions ("to separate the books") or qualities ("separate rooms").
Meaning
act or state of being apart
Collocations
the separation of [two things]
|a clear separation
|physical separation
|complete separation
|separation between rooms
|enforce separation
Synonyms
division (Often stresses the act of splitting something into parts, sometimes with a more formal or technical tone.)
Antonyms
union (Emphasizes coming or being together, especially after being apart.)
Themes
daily life
|society
|core_vocabulary
Definition
When people or things are moved apart or kept apart and are not together anymore.
The act or state of people or things being moved apart, or being kept apart, so they are no longer together or touching.
NOUN
B2
2
különélés
B2
Usage pattern:
be in separation; a separation from [spouse/partner]
After months of arguing, they decided on a trial separation to think about their future.
Hónapokig tartó viták után próbakülönélés mellett döntöttek, hogy átgondolják a jövőjüket.
The couple has been in separation for a year but has not filed for divorce.
A pár már egy éve külön él, de még nem adták be a válókeresetet.
She found the separation from her husband emotionally exhausting.
Their separation was difficult for the children, who had to split time between two homes.
He signed the papers that made the separation official in the eyes of the court.
Learner examples
My aunt and uncle are in separation, but they still talk every day.
A nagynéném és a nagybátyám külön élnek, de még mindig mindennap beszélnek.
The separation was hard for their young son.
A különélés nehéz volt a kisfiuknak.
They chose separation instead of divorce at first.
During the separation, they lived in different cities.
Common mistake:
Learners often use "divorce" when they mean a couple is living apart but not legally ending the marriage. Use "separation" for living apart, and "divorce" for legally ending the marriage.
Meaning
period when a couple lives apart
Collocations
a trial separation
|a legal separation
|go through a separation
|be in separation
|a long separation
|separation from her husband
Synonyms
breakup (More informal and general; often implies the relationship is ending rather than a structured period of living apart.)
Antonyms
reconciliation (Focuses on partners coming back together after a period of conflict or living apart.)
Themes
family
|emotions
|relationships
|law
Definition
When a married couple or partners live in different places for some time, but they are not divorced.
A situation in which a married or long‑term couple decides to live apart, often temporarily or legally recognized, without officially ending the marriage or relationship.
NOUN
B2
3
elhatárolás
C1
Usage pattern:
a separation between [area A] and [area B]; separation of [abstract noun] and [abstract noun]
She tries to keep a clear separation between her work life and her private life.
Igyekszik élesen szétválasztani a munkahelyi életét és a magánéletét.
The constitution requires a strong separation of powers among the branches of government.
Az alkotmány megköveteli a hatalmi ágak erős szétválasztását.
There is often little separation between business and politics in that country.
The report argues for a sharper separation between advertising and editorial content.
Modern technology has blurred the separation between home and office.
Learner examples
I want more separation between my job and my free time.
Jobban szeretném szétválasztani a munkámat és a szabadidőmet.
There should be separation between school rules and family rules.
El kellene választani egymástól az iskolai szabályokat és a családi szabályokat.
In this company, there is no clear separation between boss and friend.
The law talks about separation of powers in the government.
Common mistake:
Learners may say "difference between work and life" when they mean an organized border or rule. "Separation" suggests a more deliberate line or rule than simple "difference."
Meaning
difference or division between ideas or areas
Collocations
separation of church and state
|separation of powers
|separation between work and home
|strong separation
|maintain a separation
|blur the separation
Synonyms
distinction (Emphasizes noticing or defining differences, often more intellectual or analytical.)
Antonyms
overlap (Describes areas, ideas, or roles that share parts or mix instead of being clearly divided.)
Themes
society
|business
|education
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A clear difference or line between two ideas, jobs, or parts of life so they do not mix.
A clear division or distinction between different areas, activities, ideas, or responsibilities so that they do not mix.
B2
4
eltávolodás
B2
elidegenedés
C1
Usage pattern:
a separation between [person] and [person]; feel a separation from [someone]
He felt a growing separation from his old friends as their lives changed.
Egyre nagyobb eltávolodást érzett a régi barátaitól, ahogy megváltozott az életük.
Long working hours can create a quiet separation between parents and their children.
A hosszú munkaidő csendes eltávolodást idézhet elő a szülők és a gyerekeik között.
After the move abroad, she experienced a deep separation from her family.
The argument led to an emotional separation that lasted for years.
Therapy helped them understand the separation they both felt in the marriage.
Learner examples
She feels a separation from her family after moving away.
Miután elköltözött, úgy érzi, eltávolodott a családjától.
There is emotional separation between the two brothers now.
Most érzelmi eltávolodás van a két testvér között.
The long war caused separation between him and his son.
He wants to reduce the separation he feels from his parents.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use only "distance" when they want to stress feelings. "Separation" here highlights a more serious or painful emotional gap than simple physical or social distance.
Meaning
emotional distance between people
Collocations
emotional separation
|a growing separation
|a sense of separation
|feel a separation from
|separation between parents and children
Synonyms
alienation (Stronger and more formal; often suggests deep loneliness and being pushed away by others.)
Antonyms
closeness (Emphasizes a warm, emotionally near relationship between people.)
Themes
emotions
|relationships
Definition
A feeling that you are not close to another person in your heart or mind.
A state in which people feel emotionally distant or disconnected from each other, even if they are physically together.
NOUN
B1
5
Usage pattern:
a separation between [thing] and [thing]; a separation of [number/units]
There is a narrow separation between the two parking spaces.
Kis távolság van a két parkolóhely között.
Air traffic control keeps a safe separation between airplanes.
A légiforgalmi irányítás biztonságos távolságot tart a repülőgépek között.
The architect insisted on a clear separation between the buildings.
A small separation at the base of the wall suggests structural movement.
The chairs were arranged with plenty of separation between them.
Learner examples
There is not enough separation between these two chairs.
Nincs elég nagy távolság a két szék között.
The two houses have a big separation between them.
Nagy távolság van a két ház között.
We need more separation between the lines on the page.
The planes must keep a safe separation in the sky.
Common mistake:
Learners often say "space" or "distance" and do not realize "separation" can name the measured gap itself, especially in technical or safety contexts.
Meaning
space or gap between things
Collocations
a wide separation
|a small separation
|separation between lanes
|separation between houses
|vertical separation
|minimum separation
Synonyms
gap (More informal and concrete; usually a visible open space.)
Antonyms
contact (Describes things actually touching, with no space between them.)
Themes
science
|daily life
|space
|core_vocabulary
Definition
The space between two things that are not close together or touching.
The physical distance or gap that exists between two things that are not touching.
NOUN
C1
TECHNICAL
6
elválasztás
B2
szeparáció
C1
Usage pattern:
separation of [substance] from [substance]; [method] separation
The plant uses membrane separation to remove carbon dioxide from the gas stream.
Az üzem membrános elválasztást alkalmaz, hogy eltávolítsa a szén-dioxidot a gázáramból.
Centrifuges are common tools for the separation of solids from liquids.
A centrifugák gyakori eszközök a szilárd anyagok folyadékoktól való elválasztására.
The study focuses on the separation of rare metals from electronic waste.
Improved oil–water separation is essential for reducing pollution.
Phase separation occurred when the solution cooled below a certain temperature.
Learner examples
We learned a method of separation in chemistry class.
Kémiaórán tanultunk egy elválasztási módszert.
Filtration is a simple type of separation of solids from liquids.
A szűrés egyszerű módja a szilárd anyagok folyadékoktól való elválasztásának.
The machine helps with the separation of clean water from dirty water.
Separation of different gases is important in industry.
Meaning
technical process of dividing substances
Collocations
gas separation
|air separation
|protein separation
|phase separation
|separation process
|separation technology
Synonyms
extraction (Often refers to removing one desired component from a mixture, rather than dividing the whole mixture into all parts.)
Antonyms
mixing (The opposite process of combining substances into a mixture instead of dividing them.)
Themes
science
|technology
Definition
In science, the way to split a mixture into its different parts, like different gases or liquids.
In science and engineering, the process of dividing a mixture into its different components or substances, often using physical or chemical methods.
NOUN
C1
FORMAL
7
Usage pattern:
separation from [company/organization]; receive a separation
Her official separation from the company will be effective at the end of the month.
A cégnél fennálló munkaviszonyának hivatalos megszűnése a hónap végén lép hatályba.
Upon separation from the army, he received detailed discharge papers.
A hadseregből való leszerelésekor részletes leszerelési iratokat kapott.
The separation date listed on the form is incorrect.
Employees affected by the layoff will receive separation pay.
The HR department handles all paperwork related to staff separation.
Learner examples
His separation from the company was not his choice.
Nem az ő döntése volt, hogy megszűnt a munkaviszonya a cégnél.
She got separation pay after the factory closed.
Végkielégítést kapott, miután bezárt a gyár.
The letter gave information about his separation date.
After his separation from the army, he looked for a new job.
Common mistake:
Learners often use only "lost his job" or "was fired" and may not recognize "separation" as a formal HR or military term for the end of employment or service.
Meaning
formal end of employment or service
Collocations
employee separation
|military separation
|separation date
|separation pay
|separation agreement
|notice of separation
Synonyms
termination (Common in HR and legal language; slightly more direct and sometimes harsher in tone.)
Antonyms
hiring (Focuses on beginning employment, the opposite stage of ending it.)
Themes
business
|law
|work
Definition
A formal way to say that someone’s job or service has ended.
The formal ending of a person’s employment or service, especially in official or military contexts.
Grammar
Dictionary form
separation
IPA
GB/sˌɛpɚˈeɪʃən/
US/sˌɛpɚˈeɪʃən/
Syllables & stress
sep - ar - a - tion (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (ar)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: separation
- Plural: separation, separations
Word family
Forms
separations
noun
Core family
separate
verb A2
separately
adverb B1
Related words
separable
adjective
separator
noun
Negative and opposite forms
inseparable
adjective B1
Advanced or less common
separatist
noun C1
separatism
noun
Expressions
legal separation
1/lˈiɡəl sˌɛpɚˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
formal
official arrangement to live apart
A formal court decision that a married couple will live apart but stay married.
Examples
- They chose a legal separation instead of divorce for financial reasons.
- During the legal separation, they agreed on how to share child care.
- A legal separation can later be changed into a divorce.
separation agreement
1/sˌɛpɚˈeɪʃən əɡɹˈimənt/
fixed phrase
formal
contract for terms of living apart
A written legal paper that explains money, housing, and child care when a couple lives apart.
Examples
- Their lawyer drafted a separation agreement covering child support and property.
- Signing a separation agreement helped reduce conflict during their breakup.
- The judge reviewed the separation agreement before approving it.
separation of concerns
1/sˌɛpɚˈeɪʃən əv kənsˈɚnz/
fixed phrase
technical
keeping different responsibilities separate
In programming and planning, the idea that different jobs or tasks should be kept in different parts so each part has one main job.
Examples
- Good software design often follows the principle of separation of concerns.
- They reorganized the team to improve separation of concerns between design and testing.
- Separation of concerns makes complex systems easier to understand.
separation of powers
1/sˌɛpɚˈeɪʃən əv pˈaʊɚz/
fixed phrase
formal
dividing government power among branches
A political system where different groups, like the courts and the parliament, share power so one group cannot control everything.
Examples
- The constitution is built on the separation of powers.
- Critics said the new law threatens the separation of powers.
- Students learned how the separation of powers works in their country.
separation pay
1/sˌɛpɚˈeɪʃən pˈeɪ/
fixed phrase
formal
money given when job ends
Extra money that a worker gets when their job ends, for example after a layoff.
Examples
- The company offered generous separation pay to laid‑off employees.
- He used his separation pay to cover expenses while job hunting.
- Workers complained that the separation pay was too low.
trial separation
1/tɹˈaɪl sˌɛpɚˈeɪʃən/
fixed phrase
temporary living apart for a couple
A time when a couple lives apart for a while to see if they want to stay together or break up.
Examples
- They agreed on a six‑month trial separation to think about their marriage.
- A trial separation helped them realize they still wanted to be together.
- The counselor suggested a trial separation instead of an immediate divorce.
separation anxiety
1/sˌɛpɚˈeɪʃən æŋzˈaɪəti/
fixed phrase
anxiety when away from loved one
Strong fear or worry when someone, often a child, is away from a parent or another very important person.
Examples
- The child experienced separation anxiety on her first day of school.
- The child showed separation anxiety when his mother left the room.
- Dogs can suffer from separation anxiety when left alone.
- Dogs can have separation anxiety if they are left alone for many hours.
- Starting daycare, she struggled with separation anxiety each morning.
separation of church and state
1/sˌɛpɚˈeɪʃən əv t͡ʃˈɚt͡ʃ ˈænd stˈeɪt/
fixed phrase
formal
Independence of government and religion
The idea that the government should not control religion and religion should not control the government.
Examples
- The constitution guarantees the separation of church and state.
- Debates about education often involve questions about the separation of church and state.
separation of church and state
2/sˌɛpɚˈeɪʃən əv t͡ʃˈɚt͡ʃ ˈænd stˈeɪt/
fixed phrase
keeping religion and government separate
The idea that government and religious groups should be independent and not control each other.
Examples
- Many people see the separation of church and state as essential to a free society.
- The new law has raised questions about the country’s separation of church and state.
- They argued that funding the religious school breaks the separation of church and state.