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Divorce Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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divorce

[dɪˈvɔːs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

legal

The legal ending of a marriage by a court or other competent body.

Synonyms

breakup, dissolution, separation, split.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
divorce

Use this in formal or legal contexts when referring to the official end of a marriage.

  • They decided to file for divorce after 10 years of marriage.
  • The divorce was finalized last month.
separation

Used in both formal and informal contexts to describe a period where married couples live apart but are not legally divorced.

  • They are going through a trial separation to see if they can resolve their issues.
  • Our separation has been really difficult for the children.
dissolution

Appropriate for formal or legal contexts, often referring to the end of a business or organization relationship, but can also be used for marriages.

  • The dissolution of the company was finalized after a year.
  • Their marriage ended in dissolution last year.
split

Commonly used in informal contexts to describe the end of both romantic relationships and partnerships. It can also have a slightly negative connotation.

  • They had a nasty split and are no longer on speaking terms.
  • The band decided to split after 5 successful years.
breakup

This is commonly used in casual or informal settings when referring to the end of a romantic relationship that is not a marriage.

  • After their breakup, they both chose to stay friends.
  • The breakup was tough on both of them.

Examples of usage

  • She filed for divorce after discovering her husband's affair.
  • The divorce was finalized after a lengthy court battle.
Context #2 | Verb

action

Legally dissolve one's marriage with (someone).

Synonyms

break up, end the marriage, separate, split up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
divorce

For legal termination of a marriage, often involving legal proceedings and official documents.

  • They decided to get a divorce after ten years of marriage
  • The divorce process took several months
separate

To indicate when a married couple decides to live apart but may not have legally divorced yet. It can also apply to non-marital relationships in some contexts.

  • They chose to separate and see other people
  • After years of trying, they finally decided to separate
split up

Informally used for both married and unmarried couples, indicating they are no longer together. Similar to 'break up' but can also refer to married couples.

  • They split up after five years of marriage
  • The band decided to split up after the tour
break up

Used to describe ending a romantic relationship that is not a marriage, often more casual and informal.

  • They broke up after dating for two years
  • It's hard when a relationship breaks up suddenly
end the marriage

A more formal way of indicating the desire to terminate a marriage, perhaps used in conversations or written declarations.

  • They decided to end the marriage due to irreconcilable differences
  • She felt it was time to end the marriage and move on

Examples of usage

  • They decided to divorce after years of unhappiness.
  • She divorced her husband due to irreconcilable differences.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The concept of divorce dates back to ancient civilizations; for example, the Babylonians had laws about it over 4,000 years ago.
  • In ancient Rome, both men and women could initiate divorce, highlighting an early form of marital autonomy.
  • The term 'divorce' comes from the Latin 'divortium', which means 'to turn aside' or 'to separate'.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Divorce rates can vary significantly around the world; for instance, countries like India have traditionally viewed it negatively, while in Western cultures, it is more commonly accepted.
  • Some cultures have specific rituals for divorce, such as the 'sacred divorce' in certain Native American tribes, which emphasizes the importance of community and support.
  • In Japan, the approach to divorce has evolved; historically, it was more difficult, but contemporary views accept it as a normal part of life.

Legal Aspects

  • Different countries have varying laws regarding divorce; some allow for no-fault divorce, while others require proof of wrongdoing.
  • In many places, the process usually includes considerations of asset division, child custody, and support payments.
  • Mediation and collaborative divorce methods are increasingly popular, aiming to reduce conflict and foster cooperation between divorcing partners.

Psychological Impact

  • Research indicates that divorce can lead to significant emotional distress but also offers opportunities for personal growth and new beginnings.
  • Children of divorced parents may experience a range of emotions, and their well-being can improve if the process is handled thoughtfully.
  • The concept of 'post-divorce recovery' emphasizes the importance of mental health support and social networks to help individuals rebuild after a marriage ends.

Statistics and Trends

  • In the United States, approximately 40-50% of marriages end in divorce, though this varies significantly by age and education level.
  • The divorce rate has generally declined since the 1980s, suggesting shifts in societal perspectives on marriage and long-term partnerships.
  • Factors such as cohabitation before marriage and delayed marriage ages often correlate with lower divorce rates.

Origin of 'divorce'

The word 'divorce' originated from the Latin word 'divortium', which meant 'separation' or 'dividing apart'. The concept of divorce has existed throughout history, with different cultures and societies having varying views on the practice. In ancient times, divorce was often more difficult to obtain and was heavily influenced by religious and societal norms. Over time, divorce laws have evolved to provide individuals with the legal means to end a marriage under certain circumstances, reflecting changing attitudes towards marriage and personal autonomy.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,154, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.