departure - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
departure Word Meanings
- the act of leaving a place
- the beginning of a journey
- a deviation from the expected course
departure Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
departure Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dɪˈpɑː.tʃər/
US
/dɪˈpɑr.tʃər/
departure Word Etymology
de- = away + parture = action of parting; Origin: Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a train leaving the station, with its engine pulling away, symbolizing the action of departure.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I stand up, push back my chair, and pull my bag onto my shoulder. I move toward the door, hands adjusting the strap as I set my pace and steer the moment forward. A small shift in direction happens when I choose to turn toward the stairs instead of the corridor, and I feel the plan in my chest tighten—this is departure. The act of leaving settles into a quiet change, a new road opening in front of me, and I keep walking, already on my way.
Real Context
Departure is the act of leaving a place, often marked by moving away or starting a journey. It signals the beginning of travel, a new phase, or an ongoing process, such as the departure of a train, a student’s departure from school, or the departure from a plan. In many contexts it also conveys a deviation from the expected course, a deliberate change from what was planned. Learners should distinguish departure from leave (to exit) and from arrival, since each word marks a different moment in time and movement, and misplacing them can confuse timelines in travel writing and everyday speech.
Usage Reminders
- Departure is a noun; use depart as the verb.
- Use with time, place, or transport: departure time, departure gate, departure lounge.
- Avoid using departure when you mean arrival; use arrive or arrival instead.
- Spot common collocations: early/late departure, scheduled departure.
- Watch pronunciation: /dɪˈpɑːrtʃə(r)/ in American English.
Common Misconceptions
- Departure is never a verb in English; use depart as the verb.
- Departure can refer to leaving a place, a journey start, or a deviation; don’t assume it always means travel.
- Don't equate departure with leaving something behind; they are related but distinct.
- Confuse departure with arrival when timing events in a timetable.
- Overgeneralize 'departure' to mean 'exit' in every context; some phrases use different nouns (gate, lounge, platform).
Thinking Differences
In English, departure is a formal noun that often appears with time and place words; learners must avoid using it as a verb and separate it from related terms like arrival. Mistakes often involve mixing departure with leave or using it to mean arrival.
Learning Tips
- Make flashcards of common collocations (departure time, departure lounge).
- Practice with timetable dialogs to fix time-word patterns.
- Record yourself saying the noun and the verb forms.
- Compare sentences with arrival to see the time-shift.
- Listen for pronunciation and stress on second syllable.
- Use authentic materials like travel announcements.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'departure' used correctly?
A.He stayed home during the departure.
B.She arrived at the airport for her departure.
C.The arrival time is different from the departure time.
D.The departure of the sun is visible in the evening.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'departure'?
A.Arrival
B.Stay
C.Entrance
D.Return
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'departure'?
A.Arrival
B.Journey
C.Trip
D.Travel
Step 5: Mastery
How would you use 'departure' in a real-life context?
A.Talking about the departure time of a flight.
B.Reflecting on the departure of summer and arrival of fall.
C.Explaining the departure of a train from the station.
D.Discussing the departure of a friend for a trip.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App