The phrase "part company" refers to the act of separating or ending a relationship. The spelling of this phrase includes the /p/ sound at the beginning, followed by the diphthong /ɑr/ and the /t/ sound. The word "company" is spelled with the letter combination of /c/ and /o/ creating the /kʌm/ sound, followed by the letter combination of /p/ and /əni/ to create the /pəni/ sound. So, the IPA transcription for "part company" is /pɑrt ˈkʌmpəni/.
The phrase "part company" is an idiomatic expression commonly used to depict the act of separating or breaking ties with someone or something. It signifies the intentional and often permanent act of severing a connection, usually due to irreconcilable differences or divergent paths. This phrase can be used in various contexts, such as personal relationships, business partnerships, friendships, or other associations.
In personal relationships, "part company" suggests the decision to end a romantic or marital relationship. It implies the termination of emotional and physical bonds in order to lead separate lives. Similarly, in business partnerships or professional settings, "part company" refers to the dissolution or termination of an association, usually due to contrasting goals, conflicting interests, or differences in values or approaches.
This phrase conveys the notion of individuals or entities going their separate ways, implying a decisive and final step towards an independent existence or operation. It often signifies the recognition that continued association is no longer beneficial, desirable, or feasible. Consequently, "part company" may entail emotional, financial, or logistical consequences, depending on the nature and significance of the relationship being dissolved.
Overall, "part company" encapsulates the idea of deliberately severing ties or breaking a connection, conveying the notion of moving in different directions or pursuing separate paths.
The phrase "part company" is derived from a merger of two words.
The word "part" comes from the Old English word "partan", which means "to separate" or "to divide". It is also related to the Middle Dutch word "parten" and the Old High German word "parten", both with similar meanings.
The word "company" comes from the Late Latin word "companio", which means "one who shares bread with another". This word was formed by combining "com", meaning "with", and "panis", meaning "bread".
Together, the phrase "part company" originated in the early 17th century and refers to the act of separating or going separate ways, often used in the context of individuals or groups parting ways.