Divorce: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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