The word "departure" is spelled with 3 syllables: [dɪˈpɑːtʃə]. The initial "d" is pronounced as in "dad". The vowel in the first syllable is the short "i" sound, as in "pit". This is followed by the combination of consonants "p" and "t", which creates a sound of a voiceless "t". The second syllable begins with the long "aa" sound, as in "car", followed by the "ch" sound, as in "chat". The final syllable is pronounced with the schwa, or unstressed, sound, which is written with the letter "a".
Departure is a noun that refers to the act of leaving a place or embarking on a journey. It encompasses the action of moving away from a location, whether it be a physical setting or a metaphorical situation. Departure often suggests the idea of separating oneself from one's current surroundings or state, usually with the intention of reaching a different destination or altering one's circumstances.
In the context of traveling, departure specifically denotes the act of starting a journey, typically by boarding a vehicle, such as a plane, train, or bus. It implies the initial step of moving away from the point of origin towards a specific endpoint. Departure can also refer to the time or moment at which this journey begins, indicating when one's departure is scheduled or expected to occur.
Metaphorically, departure can describe the act of breaking away or deviating from a customary or familiar course of action or behavior. It can signify a change, transition, or shift from one state or condition to another. This may involve leaving behind certain habits, relationships, or patterns in order to embrace something new or different.
Overall, departure encompasses the notion of leaving, both physically and metaphorically, and signifies the initiation of a journey, whether it be physical or symbolic.
The act of departing; a moving from; death or decease; a forsaking.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word departure originated from the late Middle English word departere, which was derived from the Old French word departir. Departir was a combination of the prefix de- meaning from or away, and the verb partir meaning to part or to divide. In turn, partir was derived from the Latin verb partire, also meaning to divide. Ultimately, the Latin verb had its roots in the Proto-Indo-European word *per- meaning to grant or to assign. Over time, departure took on the specific meaning of the act of leaving or setting off.