Divorced: meaning, definitions and examples

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divorced

 

[dɪˈvɔːst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

relationship status

No longer married to one's spouse due to legal separation or divorce.

Synonyms

separated, single, unmarried.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
divorced

Used to describe someone who was legally married and has gone through the process of legally ending that marriage.

  • After ten years of marriage, they are now divorced
  • She is a divorced mother of two children
separated

Used when a married couple is living apart but not legally divorced.

  • They've been separated for six months, but haven't decided if they'll file for divorce
  • Being separated has been hard on both of them
unmarried

Used to describe someone who has never been married. It's a more general term that can include people who are in a relationship or not.

  • Despite being in a long-term relationship, they are still unmarried
  • Many unmarried people attend the event each year
single

Used to describe someone who is not currently in a romantic relationship, whether they've been married before or not.

  • He has been single since his last relationship ended
  • She enjoys the freedom of being single

Examples of usage

  • She is now a divorced woman.
  • After many years of marriage, they finally got divorced.
  • He felt relieved after the divorce was finalized.
Context #2 | Verb

action

To legally dissolve one's marriage with one's spouse.

Synonyms

end the marriage, separate, split up.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
divorced

This is a duplicate word; refer to the above context and examples.

separate

This word is used when a couple decides to live apart but may not have legally divorced yet. It can also refer to a temporary break.

  • They decided to separate for a while to think things over.
  • After a serious argument, they are currently separated.
split up

This is a casual and informal way to say that a couple has stopped being together, commonly used in everyday conversations. It can refer to both marriages and relationships.

  • They split up a few months ago.
  • I heard they split up after a big fight.
end the marriage

This is a more formal and detailed way of explaining that a marriage has been terminated. It is suitable for legal documents or formal conversations.

  • They decided to end the marriage after ten years.
  • They mutually agreed to end their marriage to avoid further conflicts.

Examples of usage

  • She decided to divorce her husband.
  • They are in the process of getting divorced.
  • The couple divorced after irreconcilable differences.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'divorce' comes from the Latin 'divortium,' meaning 'a turning apart.'
  • The term has been used since the medieval period but became common in France and then spread to England.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, divorce carries a social stigma, while in others, it is seen as a normal part of life.
  • Certain countries have specific waiting periods or legal requirements before a divorce can be finalized.

Legal Aspects

  • In many places, couples must go through a legal process to divide assets and arrange custody of children.
  • Some jurisdictions offer 'no-fault' divorce, which allows couples to separate without blaming each other.

Psychological Impact

  • Divorce can have significant emotional effects, including stress and grief for both partners and any children involved.
  • Therapy and support groups are often recommended to help individuals cope with the changes after divorce.

Pop Culture

  • Divorce themes are common in movies and TV shows, often exploring the conflicts and resolutions that come with ending a marriage.
  • Many popular songs relate to heartbreak and divorce, reflecting the emotional journeys of those who experience it.

Translations

Translations of the word "divorced" in other languages:

🇵🇹 divorciado

🇮🇳 तलाकशुदा

🇩🇪 geschieden

🇮🇩 cerai

🇺🇦 розлучений

🇵🇱 rozwiedziony

🇯🇵 離婚した (rikon shita)

🇫🇷 divorcé

🇪🇸 divorciado

🇹🇷 boşanmış

🇰🇷 이혼한 (ihonhan)

🇸🇦 مطلّق

🇨🇿 rozvedený

🇸🇰 rozvedený

🇨🇳 离婚 (líhūn)

🇸🇮 ločeni

🇮🇸 fráskilinn

🇰🇿 ажырасқан

🇬🇪 განქორწინებული (gankortsinebuli)

🇦🇿 boşanmış

🇲🇽 divorciado

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,245 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.