partition

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'partition' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to the division of a physical space or a country, to the act of separating something into parts, or to the separator that divides physical space. For example: The Great Wall of China was built as a partition between the Chinese and Mongol empires.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When he died in 2004, she kept the partition, with a big Golub war painting nailed to the wall dominating his half.

The Guardian - Arts

While the Czechoslovak partition is widely seen as a model of how to divide a country peacefully, Abby Innes, a lecturer at the London School of Economics and author of Czechoslovakia: The Short Goodbye, argues against using it as the template for other dissolutions.

The Guardian

People have voted for the process of change, they have voted for prosperity, for the peace process, for harmony but... we are a united Ireland party, we want to see an end to the union, we want to see an end to partition.

The Guardian

"I think it's a partition rather than a legitimate and mandated separation," she says.

The Guardian

Five years ago, the centre of Dublin was turned into a battlefield as republicans fought with the Garda Siochána in a bid to disrupt the first loyalist rally in the capital since partition.

The Guardian

Understanding of the nuances of colony and partition may have remained a little confused on the English side.

The Guardian - Sport

The war meant it was never implemented and was overtaken by bloodier events, partition and civil war in 1921.

The Guardian

Never a man to downplay a drama, he afterwards treasured his bloodied Marks & Spencer shirt and used the incident to focus the eyes of the world on the injustices Catholics in the north of Ireland had suffered since partition in 1921.

The Guardian

The paper said the other prisoner could not see Gray because of a metal partition and it was unclear whether any other evidence backed up his account.

The Guardian

After the partition of India in 1947 and the ensuing violence, the Qila sheltered thousands who were fleeing Delhi, as well as those who had moved there.

The Guardian

Born in 1900, Queen Victoria's great-grandson had served in the Royal Navy during the First World War, was Chief of Combined Operations and Supreme Allied Commander in South-East Asia during the second, drew up the plan for the partition of India and Pakistan as the last British Viceroy and ended his military career in the mid-1960s as First Sea Lord and Chief of the Defence Staff.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "partition" in the context of computing, specify whether you are referring to disk partitioning, database partitioning, or another type of partitioning to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "partition" when you simply mean "part" or "section" if there is no actual division or separation implied. "Partition" carries a specific connotation of creating distinct, often independent, divisions.

Linguistic Context

The word "partition" functions as both a noun, referring to a division or dividing structure, and a verb, meaning to divide or separate. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and adaptability across different contexts, as showcased in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "partition" functions as both a noun and a verb, denoting the act or state of dividing something into separate parts. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and versatility. It's frequently encountered in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse applications. While alternatives like "division" and "separation" exist, "partition" carries specific connotations of structured separation. Be mindful of the context to ensure accurate usage, especially in technical fields. Avoid overusing "partition" when simply describing parts without implying a division. The examples provided by Ludwig demonstrate the breadth of its applicability and proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

division

Focuses on the act of separating something into parts, similar to "partition" but more general.

separation

Emphasizes the state of being divided or kept apart, rather than the act of dividing.

segmentation

Implies dividing something into distinct segments or sections, often used in a technical context.

demarcation

Highlights the establishment of boundaries or limits, often in a geographical or political context.

apportionment

Refers to the allocation or distribution of something, such as resources, among different parties.

compartmentalization

Suggests dividing something into separate compartments or categories, often for organizational purposes.

breakup

Implies a more forceful or disruptive division, often used in the context of relationships or organizations.

severance

Emphasizes the act of cutting off or separating something completely.

subdivision

Refers to the act of dividing something into smaller parts, particularly land or property.

split

Is a general term for dividing something into two or more parts.

FAQs

How is "partition" used in computer science?

In computer science, "partition" can refer to disk partitioning (dividing a hard drive into sections), database partitioning (dividing a database into smaller, manageable parts), or algorithm partitioning (dividing a problem into smaller subproblems). Each context has specific implications.

What is the difference between "partition" and "division"?

"Division" is a general term for separating something into parts. "Partition" often implies a more formal, structured separation, sometimes with physical barriers or defined boundaries. Consider the context to choose the most accurate term.

What can I say instead of "partition" when talking about countries?

When referring to the division of countries, alternatives include "separation", "dismemberment", or "division", depending on the specific historical and political context.

Is "partition off" the same as "divide"?

"Partition off" specifically means to separate an area using a "partition", such as a wall or screen. "Divide" is a broader term for separating something into parts and doesn't necessarily involve a physical "partition".