DIVORCE

Definition of DIVORCE

DIVORCE Noun and Verb

Divorce is both, a noun and a verb that refers to the legal dissolution of a marriage or the act of separating two entities or concepts. As a noun, it represents the official termination of a marriage by law. As a verb, it describes the act of ending a marriage or separating things or ideas from each other.

DIVORCE as a noun

Noun Meaning – Legal Dissolution of Marriage: As a noun, divorce refers to the formal and legal ending of a marriage. For example, “After many years of unhappiness, they decided to get a divorce,” signifies the official and legal process of marital separation.

Noun Meaning – Separation of Concepts or Entities: Beyond its application to marriage, divorce can also describe the separation of two ideas, entities, or institutions. For example, “The divorce between art and science in education has led to a lack of interdisciplinary thinking,” highlights the figurative separation of two domains.

DIVORCE as a verb

To Legally End a Marriage: As a verb, divorce refers to the act of legally dissolving a marriage. For instance, “They decided to divorce after years of trying to make the relationship work,” illustrates the action of ending a marriage through legal means.

To Separate or Detach: Divorce as a verb also signifies the act of separating or detaching one thing from another. For example, “It’s important not to divorce theory from practice when learning a new skill,” demonstrates the separation of ideas or concepts.

Emotional and Social Impact: Divorce, both as a noun and a verb, carries significant emotional and social implications. For example, “Divorce can be emotionally challenging for families, requiring adjustments in living situations, relationships, and financial arrangements,” emphasizes the impact of this separation on individuals and society.

Context in Relationships and Legal Systems: In legal systems, divorce represents the termination of a marital contract, affecting familial structures, finances, and custody arrangements. For example, “The court finalized their divorce after lengthy negotiations,” illustrates the role of divorce in law.

Divorce is a word with dual meanings, serving as both a noun and a verb. It signifies the legal dissolution of a marriage or the act of separating entities, whether in a personal, social, or conceptual context. Understanding divorce helps illuminate its profound impact on relationships, emotional well-being, and the broader societal and legal frameworks in which it occurs.

Examples of DIVORCE in a sentence

DIVORCE as a noun in a sentence

  • The divorce was finalized after a lengthy legal process.
  • They both agreed that the divorce was the best option for their happiness.
  • The divorce settlement included the division of assets and custody arrangements.
  • She found the divorce to be a challenging and emotional experience.
  • Their divorce was amicable, with minimal conflict.
  • After the divorce, they both moved on to new chapters in their lives.
  • The divorce rate has increased in recent decades.
  • The divorce proceedings were complicated by the couple’s joint business.

DIVORCE as a verb in a sentence

  • They decided to divorce after years of marital discord.
  • He plans to divorce his wife due to irreconcilable differences.
  • The couple chose to divorce rather than endure an unhappy marriage.
  • They decided to divorce after a series of counseling sessions failed.
  • She wants to divorce him but is concerned about the legal implications.
  • After much deliberation, they finally agreed to divorce.
  • He had to divorce himself from the emotional turmoil of the relationship.
  • The decision to divorce was mutual and respectful.

Origin of DIVORCE

Divorce traces its origins to the Latin word divortium, meaning “a separation” or “a parting,” derived from divertere (to turn apart), which combines dis- (apart) and vertere (to turn). The term divorce evolved from the concept of separating or turning away, especially in the context of marital separation.

  • Latin: Divortium (separation, parting), from divertere (to turn apart), combining dis- (apart) and vertere (to turn).
  • Latin: Divortium referred to a separation or parting, with divertere indicating turning or moving apart.
  • Old French: The term evolved into divorce, retaining the meaning of marital separation or the legal dissolution of a marriage.
  • Middle English: Divorce emerged, reflecting the concept of separating or dissolving a marriage.

In contemporary English, divorce refers to the legal dissolution of a marriage or the process of ending a marital relationship. It can also denote the act of separating or breaking off a relationship or association. The term retains its core meaning of separation or parting, reflecting its historical evolution from Latin and Old French roots to describe various forms of legal or personal separation.

Synonyms

  • Separation
  • Dissolution
  • Split
  • Breakup
  • Annulment
  • Termination
  • Dissociation
  • Parting

Antonyms

  • Marriage
  • Union
  • Reconciliation
  • Bond
  • Joining
  • Partnership
  • Cohabitation
  • Commitment

Related

  • Legal separation
  • Custody
  • Alimony
  • Settlement
  • Court order
  • Marital status
  • Family law
  • Divorce decree

🌐 🇬🇧 DIVORCE in other languages

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