definitive break from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "definitive break from" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a clear and final separation or departure from a previous situation, belief, or relationship. Example: "The new policy represents a definitive break from the outdated practices that have hindered our progress."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

This antipathy is more striking because Spain embraced the common currency project as a final and definitive break from decades of isolation under the Franco dictatorship.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

We have now reached 56 Up and, though several of the participants have occasionally sat out the seven-yearly update, only one, TV producer Charles Furneaux, has made what appears to be a definitive break, even attempting to get Apted to excise his photograph from all material relating to the programme.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But in September, the city inaugurated the Pinakothek der Moderne, an extraordinary modern-art museum with works from Beckmann to Bacon to Beuys, which curators say represents a definitive break with the city's relative apathy toward 20th-century art.

The New York Times - Arts

In an interview with USA Today, Gregg Swedberg, from the Minneapolis country radio station K102, portrayed "Shake It Off" as a definitive break with the genre.

The New Yorker

Arguing that more can be accomplished for the Palestinians by keeping lines of communication open, Egyptian diplomats managed to tone down militaristic proposals from less moderate nations and to fend off increasingly strident demands for a definitive break.

The New York Times

There are times when the president seems to be making a clean and definitive break.

The New York Times

A definitive break with the medieval past was marked by two Italian sieges.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For the first two baby boomers are running for president, representing a definitive break with the World War II era.

The New York Times

From the outside, 1993's See the Light tour seemed like the definitive break.

Vice

"This is a powerful example of why Donald Trump needs to make a definitive break, not just with his operational interests but his ownership interests, by appointing an independent trustee to liquidate all that," Norm Eisen of the Brooking Institute, who served as chief White House ethics lawyer for President Obama from 2009 to 2011, told The Post.

Huffington Post

He came of age in a France where Roman Catholicism was being stirred by the currents of religious reform associated with Erasmus and Luther, but little precise is known of young Calvin's evolving beliefs or the definitive religious break that led him from the study of law to theology and from his homeland into exile in Switzerland.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for a formal tone, ensure that "definitive break from" is followed by a well-defined explanation of what is being separated from, providing clarity and context to your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "definitive break from" in contexts where a temporary pause or minor adjustment is intended. This phrase implies a permanent and significant change, which may not align with the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "definitive break from" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun. It describes the nature of a separation or departure, emphasizing its finality and decisiveness. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts to highlight significant changes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "definitive break from" effectively conveys a clear and permanent separation. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct usage and acceptability in written English. While not extremely common, it serves a valuable function in emphasizing the conclusiveness of a change or departure. It's suitable for various contexts, including news, encyclopedic entries and general writing, as detailed by Ludwig examples. Choosing semantically related phrases like "clear departure from" or "final separation from" can refine the nuance based on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

clear departure from

Emphasizes the act of leaving or deviating from something more explicitly.

complete severance from

Implies a more formal and absolute ending of a relationship or connection.

total abandonment of

Focuses on the act of leaving something behind, often with a negative connotation.

radical departure from

Highlights the significant and noticeable nature of the change.

final separation from

Stresses the conclusive nature of the parting or disconnection.

decisive break with

Replaces "from" with "with" to focus on the entity being departed from, while keeping a similar meaning.

irrevocable split from

Implies that the separation is permanent and cannot be undone.

clean break from

Suggests a separation that is uncomplicated and free from lingering issues.

unequivocal disassociation from

Indicates a formal and unambiguous rejection of any association or connection.

distinct divergence from

Focuses on the point where two paths or ideas separate clearly.

FAQs

How can I use "definitive break from" in a sentence?

You can use "definitive break from" to describe a clear and final separation. For example: "The new policy represents a "definitive break from" the outdated practices."

What are some alternatives to "definitive break from"?

Alternatives include "clear departure from", "complete severance from", or "final separation from" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "definitive break from"?

Use "definitive break from" when you want to emphasize that a change is not just a modification but a complete and irreversible departure from something.

What's the difference between "definitive break from" and "a temporary break from"?

"Definitive break from" implies a permanent end, while "a temporary break from" suggests a pause or short-term separation. Consider the context carefully to choose the appropriate phrase.