χωρισμού
Wordform Details
Translation: separationpartingdivorce
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
masculinesingulargenitiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: χωρισμός
Translation: separation; divorce; parting; split; breakup (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek χωρισμός (khōrismós), derived from the verb χωρίζω (khōrízō) meaning 'to separate, divide'. The root χωρ- (khōr-) relates to 'space' or 'room', suggesting the creation of space between things that were once together. This same root appears in words like 'chorus' and 'choreography' in English, which originally related to spaces for dancing.
Example Usage
Ο χωρισμός τους ήταν πολύ δύσκολος για τα παιδιά.
Their divorce was very difficult for the children.
Μετά από τον χωρισμό τους, έμειναν καλοί φίλοι.
After their breakup, they remained good friends.
Ο χωρισμός εκκλησίας και κράτους είναι σημαντικός για τη δημοκρατία.
The separation of church and state is important for democracy.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'chorus' in English (which comes from the same Greek root) - a chorus separates into different vocal parts.
- The 'χωρ' (chor) sound can remind you of 'core', as in separating to the core.
- Visualize a 'chasm' (similar sound) opening between two people who are separating.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
In Greek society, divorce (χωρισμός) has become more common in recent decades but still carries some social stigma, especially in more traditional communities. The term is used both for the legal dissolution of marriage and for more general separations between people or things.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'χωρισμός' means separation or divorce, 'χώρος' means space or place. They share the same root related to space, but have different meanings and uses.
Confused word:
Δεν υπάρχει αρκετός χώρος για όλους μας εδώ.
There isn't enough space for all of us here.
Notes: Both words derive from the same ancient root related to space, but χωρισμός focuses on the act of creating space between things (separation), while χώρος is the space itself.
Mnemonic: χωρισμός has the -ισμός ending typical of abstract concepts or processes, while χώρος is the concrete space itself.
Explanation: χωρισμός (separation) is often confused with χορός (dance) due to similar pronunciation, but they have completely different meanings.
This word:
Ο χωρισμός των γονιών της την έκανε πολύ λυπημένη.
Her parents' divorce made her very sad.
Notes: The difference in spelling is the omega (ω) in χωρισμός versus the omicron (ο) in χορός.
Mnemonic: χορός has to do with people coming together (for a dance), while χωρισμός is about people separating.