parting: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral (used in both formal and informal contexts)
Quick answer
What does “parting” mean?
The act or occasion of separating or leaving.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act or occasion of separating or leaving.
The dividing line where hair is combed in different directions; a division or split within something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In hairstyling, UK 'parting' = US 'part'.
Connotations
Slightly more formal/literary in the 'separation' sense in everyday US English ('goodbye' is more common).
Frequency
Comparably frequent, but 'parting shot' is a common fixed phrase in both.
Grammar
How to Use “parting” in a Sentence
Parting from [someone]Parting of the [ways/clouds/sea]Parting with [something] (to give away)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “parting” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- It pained her to part from her beloved dog.
- The crowd parted to let the ambulance through.
American English
- He hated parting with his old baseball cards.
- The clouds parted, revealing the sun.
adjective
British English
- She gave him a parting glance before boarding the train.
- His parting words were full of encouragement.
American English
- He made a parting comment that left everyone stunned.
- The parting gesture was a simple handshake.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the context of employee departure or company divisions: 'The parting with our senior advisor was amicable.'
Academic
Used in literary analysis or historical texts to describe separations: 'The poem explores the themes of parting and memory.'
Everyday
Most common: describing saying goodbye or a hairstyle: 'It was a tearful parting at the airport.' / 'He has a centre parting.'
Technical
In geology, a plane of separation in rock; in manufacturing, the line where moulds separate.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “parting”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “parting”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “parting”
- Using 'parting' as a verb (the verb is 'to part').
- Confusing 'parting' (event) with 'part' (section).
- Misspelling as 'paring' (which means peeling).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Parting' is primarily a noun (the act of separating) and an adjective (as in 'parting words'). The verb is 'to part'.
A final critical remark or action made as someone is leaving, often witty or cutting.
'Departure' focuses on the person leaving. 'Parting' focuses on the mutual act of separation between people or things.
Yes, while often sad, it can be neutral or positive, as in 'a fond parting' or 'amicable parting'.
The act or occasion of separating or leaving.
Parting is usually neutral (used in both formal and informal contexts) in register.
Parting: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɑːtɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɑːrtɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Parting of the ways”
- “Parting shot”
- “Parting is such sweet sorrow”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'PARTing' as breaking something into PARTS.
Conceptual Metaphor
SEPARATION IS A DIVIDING LINE; ENDINGS ARE DEPARTURES.
Practice
Quiz
In American English, what is the common term for the line in your hair where it is combed differently?