Segregation: meaning, definitions and examples

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segregation

[ˌsɛɡrɪˈɡeɪʃn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

racial

The action or state of setting someone or something apart from other people or things or being set apart. Specifically, the enforced separation of different racial groups in a country, community, or establishment.

Synonyms

apartheid, isolation, separation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
segregation	This is a duplicate entry; see the first 'segregation' entry for details.
separation	General term referring to the act of dividing or keeping apart individuals or groups. Can be used in a variety of contexts, including legal, social, and physical separation. The separation of church and state is a fundamental principle in many democracies. Their separation after the argument lasted for several days.
isolation	Best used when talking about keeping someone or something apart from others, often to prevent the spread of disease or contamination. It can also refer to the state of being alone. The patient was kept in isolation to prevent the infection from spreading. His isolation during the pandemic led to feelings of loneliness.
apartheid	Specifically refers to the policy of racial segregation and discrimination enforced in South Africa between 1948 and 1994, involving extreme human rights violations. Nelson Mandela fought against apartheid in South Africa. The end of apartheid marked a new era of freedom for South Africans.

Examples of usage

Segregation was a common practice in the United States until the Civil Rights Movement.
The segregation of schools based on race was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

biology

The separation or isolation of a specific group of organisms from a larger group, often leading to the formation of a new species.

Synonyms

differentiation, isolation, separation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
segregation	Used when referring to the act of separating groups of people based on race, religion, or other characteristics. Often has a negative connotation. The school's policy led to racial segregation The segregation of communities based on ethnicity is unjust
separation	General term for keeping things or people apart. Used in various contexts including relationships, law, and physical spaces. The separation of church and state is a fundamental principle The couple decided on a trial separation before finalizing their divorce
isolation	Pertains to the act of keeping something or someone apart from others. Can refer to physical, social, or emotional isolation. The patient was kept in isolation to prevent the spread of disease Feelings of isolation can lead to depression
differentiation	Refers to the process of distinguishing or creating differences between things or people. Commonly used in business, biology, and education. Product differentiation helps companies stand out in the market The differentiation of cells is essential in biological development

Examples of usage

Genetic segregation plays a key role in the process of evolution.
The segregation of genes during meiosis ensures genetic diversity.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

mathematics

The separation of items into different categories or groups based on specific criteria or characteristics.

Synonyms

categorization, classification, partition.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
segregation	Used when referring to separating groups, often based on characteristics like race, gender, or ability. Typically has a negative connotation due to historical and social contexts. The segregation of schools based on race is illegal. They fought against the segregation of buses.
classification	Best used in more formal or scientific contexts where items are systematically arranged based on specific criteria or characteristics. The classification of plants is crucial for understanding botany. A clear classification of data can help in making better decisions.
categorization	Appropriate for describing the act of dividing or organizing items or concepts into categories for simplification or understanding. The categorization of books in the library makes it easier to find them. Her research focused on the categorization of different species of butterflies.
partition	Refers to the physical or metaphorical division of a space or area into separate parts. Often used in contexts involving physical separation or dividing resources or sections. The room was divided by a glass partition. The partition of the estate among the heirs was done fairly.

Examples of usage

Data segregation allows for better analysis and organization of information.
The segregation of variables simplifies complex equations.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term comes from the Latin 'segregare', meaning 'to set apart'.
In the 19th century, laws were created to enforce segregation, particularly in the United States, affecting schools, public transport, and housing.
The Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s fought against segregation, seeking equal rights for all.

Social Implications

Segregation often leads to inequality in resources like education and healthcare.
Communities that experience segregation can develop distinct cultures but may also face negative stereotypes.
Studies show that mixed communities enhance social cohesion and promote understanding among different groups.

Legal Framework

Landmark Supreme Court case Brown v. Board of Education (1954) declared that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.
The Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibited segregation in public places and employment.
Segregation laws often varied by region, with some states enforcing more restrictive policies than others.

Psychological Impact

Experiencing segregation can lead to feelings of inferiority among marginalized groups.
Research indicates that children exposed to diverse environments tend to be more open-minded and accepting of differences.
Long-term segregation can create a cycle of disadvantage that impacts mental and emotional well-being.

Global Perspectives

Segregation is not limited to the U.S.; for example, apartheid in South Africa enforced racial separation for decades.
Some regions still experience segregation based on religion, ethnicity, or caste, affecting day-to-day life.
Global movements continue to address and challenge segregation in various forms around the world.

Translations

Translations of the word "segregation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 segregação

🇮🇳 विभाजन

🇩🇪 Segregation

🇮🇩 segregasi

🇺🇦 сегрегація

🇵🇱 segregacja

🇯🇵 隔離 (かくり)

🇫🇷 ségrégation

🇪🇸 segregación

🇹🇷 ayrım

🇰🇷 분리 (bunri)

🇸🇦 الفصل

🇨🇿 segregace

🇸🇰 segregácia

🇨🇳 隔离 (gélí)

🇸🇮 segregacija

🇮🇸 aðskilnaður

🇰🇿 бөліну

🇬🇪 გაყოფა

🇦🇿 ayırma

🇲🇽 segregación

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,237 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
7234 finer
7235 exceptionally
7236 deserved
7237 segregation
7238 evaluations
7239 hourly
7240 tensile
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