Divorced

Definition

Divorced is an adjective and the past participle of the verb "divorce." It refers to a legal dissolution of a marriage, resulting in the separation of marital rights and obligations. The term also describes a person who has legally ended their marriage.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Verb (past tense and past participle)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈvɔrst/
• Respelling: dih-VORST

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /dɪˈvɔːst/
• Respelling: dih-VAWST

Etymology

The word "divorced" comes from the Latin "divortium," meaning "separation" or "dissolution," derived from "divertere" (to separate or turn apart). It entered the English language in the late Middle Ages, carrying both legal and figurative meanings.

Derivatives

• Divorce (noun/verb)
• Divorcée (noun, female)
• Divorcé (noun, male)
• Divorcement (noun, archaic)
• Re-divorce (verb)

Synonyms

• Separated
• Disjoined
• Dissolved

Antonyms

• Married
• Wed
• Unified

Usage

The adjective "divorced" commonly describes a person whose marriage has legally ended, as in "She is divorced and lives with her children." In a broader sense, it may describe the separation of ideas or components, such as "These issues are divorced from economic factors."

Related Terms

• Separation: The act of ending a close relationship or connection.
• Annulment: A legal declaration that a marriage is null and void.
• Dissolution: The formal termination of a legal entity, such as marriage.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Having legally ended a marriage: Describes a person who is no longer married due to a legal divorce.
  • Example: "He is divorced and has joint custody of his children."
• Separated or disconnected from something else: Refers to ideas, concepts, or items that are separated or unrelated.
  • Example: "The discussion was divorced from the main topic."

Verb (past tense and past participle of "divorce")

• To legally dissolve a marriage: Refers to the act of ending a marital union.
  • Example: "They divorced after twenty years of marriage."