Departure

Definition

Departure refers to the act of leaving or going away from a particular place. It can also signify a deviation from a standard, routine, or accepted course, as well as an act of moving or starting anew.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈpɑrtʃər/
• Respelling: dih-PAR-chur

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈpɑːtʃə/
• Respelling: dih-PAH-chuh

Etymology

The word "departure" originates from the Old French "departir," meaning "to divide" or "to leave," which itself came from the Latin "dispartire," meaning "to separate." It entered Middle English as "departen," meaning "to part from" or "go away," eventually evolving to signify the act of leaving or going away.

Derivatives

• Depart (verb)
• Departed (adjective)
• Departure gate (noun)
• Pre-departure (adjective)
• Post-departure (adjective)

Synonyms

• Exit
• Leaving
• Withdrawal

Antonyms

• Arrival
• Entry
• Return

Usage

The noun "departure" is often used to indicate an act of leaving a location or a change from the usual or expected course. For example, "Her sudden departure from the company surprised everyone." In travel contexts, it is commonly used to refer to leaving on a journey, such as "The train's departure is scheduled for 3 p.m."

Related Terms

• Journey: A trip or expedition from one place to another.
• Absence: The state of being away or not present.
• Displacement: The act of moving or being moved from a place.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The act of leaving or going away: Refers to the physical action of moving away from a place or starting a journey.
  • Example: "The plane’s departure was delayed due to weather."
• A deviation from a standard or usual course: Describes a change or shift from a routine or expected way of doing things.
  • Example: "The artist’s new work marks a significant departure from his earlier style."
• The act of leaving one’s position or role: Refers to stepping down or leaving a job, role, or place of responsibility.
  • Example: "Her departure from the organization created a leadership gap."