Separation vs. Breakup 

"Separation" vs. "Breakup" in English

What Is Their Main Difference?

Both refer to ending a romantic relationship between two romantically-involved partners. However, 'separation' is legal and it is a temporary period in which a married couple stops living with each other, whereas, a 'breakup' is when two lovers decide to terminate their relationship. Their relationship was never legally recognized.

Differences

When a married couple legally decides to part ways temporarily, they have 'separated'. Their decision is legally recognized. Look at the following examples:

Example

The Iranian movie 'a separation' was praised so much when it was first released.

So, we are to be separated for a while and then get back together?

A 'breakup' also indicates the ending of a romantic relationship. However, this relationship was never legally made official. Take a look at the following examples:

Example

She needs to process her emotions after a breakup.

How is it that some people can easily recover from a breakup?

Similarities

Both refer to the ending of a romantic relationship. Take a look below:

Example

In our country, we have no such thing as an official separation.

Breakup was never my first choice.

Are They Interchangeable?

If we use these words interchangeably, our sentences will have different meanings, so they cannot be used interchangeably. Compare:

Example

✓ People usually need some time to grieve after breakup.

✓ People usually need some time to grieve after separation.

As you can see, both are correct, but they have different meanings.

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