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Departure Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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departure

[dɪˈpɑːtʃə ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

at the airport

The action of leaving, especially to start a journey.

Synonyms

exit, leaving, takeoff.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
departure

Often used in formal settings, such as travel itineraries, transport schedules, and official communications.

  • The departure of Flight 123 is scheduled for 6 PM.
  • Please arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before your departure.
leaving

Informal and versatile, used in everyday situations when someone is going away or moving from one place to another.

  • John is leaving for college next week.
  • They were sad about her leaving so soon.
exit

Commonly used when referring to leaving a building, room, or enclosed area. Can also metaphorically denote leaving a situation or position.

  • In case of emergency, use the nearest exit.
  • She decided it was time to make her exit from the company.
takeoff

Specifically used in the context of aviation, referring to the moment an aircraft leaves the ground and begins to fly.

  • The takeoff was smooth and on time.
  • Passengers should be seated and buckled up for takeoff.

Examples of usage

  • The departure of the flight was delayed by two hours.
  • Passengers should arrive at least two hours before departure.
Context #2 | Noun

general

The act of departing or setting out.

Synonyms

exit, going, leaving.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
departure

Used in formal contexts, especially in travel or scheduled events, to indicate the act of leaving.

  • The departure of the flight is scheduled for 6 PM
  • His sudden departure left everyone puzzled
leaving

General and versatile term used in both formal and informal settings to indicate the action of moving away from a place or situation.

  • I'm leaving the office at 5 PM
  • His leaving the team was a big surprise
exit

Used to describe leaving a place or situation, often with a physical emphasis on the act of leaving a location.

  • Please find the nearest exit in case of an emergency
  • She made a quick exit from the party
going

Informal use, describing the act of leaving, often without specifying the destination.

  • I'm going now, see you later! She was going to the store when I called her

Examples of usage

  • His departure from the company was sudden and unexpected.
  • The departure of the troops marked the end of the war.
Context #3 | Noun

formal

The action of ceasing to participate in an activity or be a member of a group.

Synonyms

resignation, retirement, withdrawal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
departure

This word is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe the act of leaving a place, job, or situation.

  • His departure from the company was unexpected.
  • We are waiting for the train's departure.
withdrawal

This term can be used in various settings, such as banking, military, or medicine. It often has a sense of retreat or taking back something that was given or engaged in. In some contexts, it can have a negative connotation.

  • The general ordered the withdrawal of troops.
  • She experienced withdrawal symptoms after quitting smoking.
retirement

This word refers to the act of leaving one's job and ceasing to work, usually due to age. It is most commonly used in a professional and personal context.

  • After 30 years at the company, he celebrated his retirement.
  • Her retirement party was a joyous occasion.
resignation

This term is typically used in a professional setting when someone formally leaves a job or position. It often carries a sense of finality and formality.

  • She submitted her resignation to the board of directors.
  • His resignation from the position came as a surprise.

Examples of usage

  • His departure from the team was a great loss.
  • The departure of the CEO led to changes in the company.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Travel History

  • In the age of exploration, voyages often began with a significant departure, marking the start of adventures to unknown lands.
  • Air travel emerged in the 20th century, revolutionizing the concept of departure, with airports becoming bustling hubs of global movement.
  • The iconic phrase 'Bon Voyage!' is often associated with departures, a French wish for a good journey.

Psychology

  • Departures can invoke feelings of excitement, anxiety, or sadness, depending on the context and the relationships involved.
  • Research shows that anticipating a departure can create heightened emotional states similar to the experience of arrival.
  • People often associate significant life changes, such as moving or graduating, with departures, marking endings and new beginnings.

Literature

  • Many classic novels use the theme of departure as a catalyst for character development and plot progression, symbolizing freedom or escape.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters often face emotional departures that lead to dramatic transformations or conflicts.
  • Romantic poetry often explores the bittersweet nature of departures, reflecting on love lost or journeys taken.

Pop Culture

  • The departure scenes in movies often emphasize character growth, such as leaving home for the first time or stepping into adulthood.
  • Songs about leaving, like 'Leaving on a Jet Plane', tap into the emotions associated with farewells and long journeys.
  • Television series often use departure as a dramatic plot device, triggering character arcs and emotional connections with the audience.

Origin of 'departure'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Middle English term 'deperture', derived from Latin 'departire', which means 'to divide or part'.
  • In the late 14th century, the word evolved to signify not just parting but specifically leaving a place.
  • It combines the prefix 'de-' (indicating removal) with 'parture', relating to the act of separating.

The word 'departure' originates from the Middle English word 'departen', which means 'to divide'. It entered the English language in the 14th century. Over time, its meaning evolved to refer to the act of leaving or setting out. The concept of departure has been significant throughout history, symbolizing beginnings, transitions, and farewells.

See also: depart, departed, departing, department, departments.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,532, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.