DEPARTURE

Definition of DEPARTURE

DEPARTURE Noun

Departure is a noun that refers to the act of leaving a place, especially when beginning a journey or moving away from a location. It can also denote the moment or process of leaving, as well as a deviation from a previous course, pattern, or set of norms.

The Act of Leaving or Going Away: As a noun, departure signifies the act of leaving, particularly when someone or something is going away from a place. For example, “The departure of the train was delayed due to weather conditions,” or “His departure from the company marked the end of an era.” In these contexts, departure refers to the moment or event when someone or something leaves a specific location, often marking a transition or change.

The Beginning of a Journey or Change in Direction: Departure is commonly used to describe the initiation of travel or movement from one place to another. For example, “The plane’s departure was scheduled for 9:00 AM,” or “She made her departure to the United States last week.” Here, departure focuses on the beginning of a journey or transition, emphasizing the point at which someone or something leaves one place to start another phase or experience.

Deviation from a Path or Norm: In a more figurative sense, departure can also refer to a change or deviation from a usual course, path, or set of norms. For example, “The new policy marks a departure from the company’s traditional approach,” or “His actions represented a departure from the values he once held.” In this context, departure signifies a shift in behavior, direction, or beliefs, indicating a departure from what is expected or customary.

Departure vs. Exit vs. Leave: While departure, exit, and leave all involve the act of going away from a place, departure often carries a more formal or planned sense of leaving. For example, “The guests made their departure after the party ended,” versus “The guests left the party after midnight.” Departure implies a more intentional, sometimes scheduled, act of leaving, while exit typically refers to physically leaving through an opening or door, and leave is a more general term for going away from a place.

The Moment of Leaving: In many cases, departure emphasizes the moment or event when someone or something leaves. For example, “The departure of the leader was a significant event,” or “His departure from the team was marked by a farewell party.” Here, departure signifies the occasion or event associated with leaving, whether for travel, a career change, or a social event.

Departure in Professional or Organizational Contexts: In professional settings, departure can refer to leaving a job, company, or role. For example, “Her departure from the management team was announced last week,” or “The CEO’s departure created a leadership void in the company.” In these contexts, departure refers to the act of leaving a position or organization, often marking a significant change or transition within the professional environment.

In conclusion, departure is a noun that refers to the act of leaving, beginning a journey, or deviating from a previous course or norm. Whether describing travel, a change in direction, or a transition from one phase to another, departure emphasizes the act of leaving or moving away from a place, situation, or state. Its use spans various contexts, including travel, professional transitions, and shifts in behavior or thought, making it a versatile term in describing moments of change or transition.

Examples of DEPARTURE in a sentence

• The departure of the train was delayed due to technical issues.
• We arrived early to watch the departure of the flight.
• His sudden departure from the company surprised everyone.
• The departure lounge was crowded with anxious travelers.
• The ship’s departure was scheduled for midnight.
• She felt nervous about the departure of her best friend.
• The event marked the departure of the old management team.
• Weather conditions caused the departure of several flights to be postponed.

Origin of DEPARTURE

Departure is a noun that refers to the act of leaving or going away from a place, position, or state.

Semantic Context: Departure commonly denotes the action of setting out or leaving, whether physically (e.g., leaving a location) or metaphorically (e.g., a departure from tradition or norms). It is used in travel, social, business, and abstract contexts.

• Etymological Roots: The word departure comes from Old French departir (“to divide, distribute, set out”), derived from Latin departire, which combines de- (“away”) and partire (“to divide”).
• Historical Development: Used since Middle English, departure initially described physical leaving or setting out on a journey and later expanded metaphorically to signify deviations or changes from established practices.
• Cultural and Social Applications: Departure is important in transportation (flights, trains), literature (departure from norms), business (departure of employees), and everyday speech to denote leaving or change.
• Current Usage: Today, departure is widely used to describe leaving or starting points, as well as metaphorical breaks from traditions, ideas, or behaviors.

The term departure emphasizes the act of leaving or moving away, highlighting transition or change in physical or abstract senses.