divorce
English meaning: Divorce
Definition
The legal dissolution of a marriage.
Example
“Richard obtained a divorce from his wife some years ago, but hasn't returned to the dating scene.”
Another example: “His arguments seemed completely divorced from the facts.”
Usage — When, Where & How
Refers to the legal ending of a marriage; also used as a verb ('they divorced') and figuratively ('divorced from reality'). Neutral register, common in legal, journalistic, and everyday contexts.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'divortium' (separation), from 'divertere' (to turn aside), via Old French, entering English in the 14th century.
Synonyms
- disunite
- disjoint
- split up
- dissociate
- dissassociate
- divorcement
Antonyms / Opposites
Related Words
- irreconcilable
- alimony
- remarry
- finalized
- adultery
- annulment
- desertion
- spouse
- custody
- infidelity
Common Collocations
- get a divorce
- file for divorce
- divorce rate
- messy divorce
- divorce settlement
Word Forms
divorce (n & v); divorces; divorced; divorcing
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B