estranged

USAGE SUMMARY

'estranged' is a perfectly correct and usable word in written English.
In general, it means to cause someone to be distant or disconnected from someone they were previously close to, such as a family member. Example Sentence: After years of unresolved conflict, John and his sister had become estranged.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Estranged from her family, Vachata had nowhere else to go.

The Guardian - Money

Batty will also speak about the media response to the death of her 11-year-old son, Luke, who was murdered by his father, Batty's estranged partner Greg Anderson, in February last year.

The Guardian

The main focus of his life is his seven-year-old son, though he is estranged from the mother of the child.

The Guardian - Sport

SM: There have been many happy days and many unhappy ones, but the most important was the day I met my missus, who is sometimes estranged and sometimes not.

The Guardian - Music

You can't "do something about your toothache", but you can call your dentist; you can't "heal your relationship with your estranged Uncle Horace", but you could write him a letter.

The Guardian - Opinion

He invited his estranged wife to try to win her back but she didn't show up, he said.

The Guardian

You might be afraid of them or in love with them, estranged or close.

The Guardian

"My greatest regret is not dedicating the book to you," Saint-Exupéry wrote after completing his fable while in American exile, during a reconciliation with his estranged wife.

The Guardian - Books

What to do when your estranged wife absconds with your beloved cat?

The Guardian - Opinion

When asked why he wanted the publicity, he said he wanted his cat back from his estranged wife.

The Guardian

The film, about a man estranged from his lover who comes back to town in an attempt to reclaim his ex-girlfriend, will be financed by Film Four and Germany's Senator Films.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "estranged" to describe relationships where there was a prior closeness, but distance has developed over time.

Common error

Don't use "estranged" interchangeably with "distant". "Estranged" implies a prior close relationship that has since deteriorated, whereas "distant" simply describes a lack of closeness.

Linguistic Context

The word "estranged" primarily functions as an adjective, describing the state of a person or people who were once close but are now distant. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms this is consistent with common usage, as showcased in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "estranged" effectively describes a state of broken relationships or emotional distance, functioning primarily as an adjective. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in contexts ranging from news and media to formal business settings. While "estranged" suggests a prior closeness that has since diminished, alternatives like "alienated" or "separated" offer slightly different nuances. When using "estranged", ensure it aligns with situations where a previously intimate connection has deteriorated, distinguishing it from mere distance or formality. The term appears regularly in authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist, solidifying its place as a common and accepted element of English vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

estranged from

Explicitly denotes a separation or alienation from someone or something.

alienated

Focuses more on the feeling of being excluded or isolated.

separated

Suggests a formal or legal division, often in marital contexts.

disconnected

Implies a lack of communication or emotional bond.

at odds

Highlights a state of disagreement or conflict.

on bad terms

Indicates a negative or unfriendly relationship.

not on speaking terms

Emphasizes a complete cessation of communication.

out of touch

Suggests a loss of contact and familiarity.

split up

Implies a permanent ending of a relationship.

divorced

Refers specifically to the legal termination of a marriage.

FAQs

How to use "estranged" in a sentence?

Use "estranged" to describe someone who was once close to another person but is no longer so, often due to conflict or disagreement. For example, "He is "estranged from" his family after a major argument".

What can I say instead of "estranged"?

You can use alternatives like "alienated", "separated", or "disconnected" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "estranged" or "alienated"?

"Estranged" and "alienated" are similar, but "estranged" usually implies a prior close relationship, while "alienated" suggests a feeling of isolation or exclusion. Use "estranged" when referring to a broken relationship where there once was closeness; use "alienated" to describe someone who feels apart from others in general.

What's the difference between "estranged" and "separated"?

"Separated" typically refers to a legal or formal separation, especially in a marital context. "Estranged" is broader, indicating a broken relationship regardless of legal status. You can be "estranged from" a family member without any legal separation, but separation always has a connotation of legal action.