Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[leslie]

Hi,

Due to my previous post--thousands separator, it reminds me of another usage of the verbs--break/separate. How do I tell when to use break and when to use separate when each referrs to 'move apart'? For example, if two people are fighting, and I say : break them? or separate them? or what else? Also, I cannot tell the difference between 'aversion' and 'abhorrence'. These snonyms both mean 'to hate something so much'. I'd like to know their degrees. Which is stronger?

Thanks for your help! Have a nice day!

Leslie

[Harmony]

Break (verb) - To cause to separate into pieces suddenly or violently; smash.
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=break

My thoughts: Break seems sharper, occurring at a certain point in time, like a crack or split.

Examples:

I will break the chocolate bar into pieces.

The gardener will break the dead branch off the tree.

Be careful not to break the window.

Separate (verb) - To set or keep apart; disunite.
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=separate

My thoughts: Separate implies movement in opposite directions. It's a gentler word than break.

Examples:

Please separate the metal from the plastic for recycling.

We were separated into groups according to our abilities.

We must separate the various types of bulbs before planting them.

Aversion (noun) - A fixed, intense dislike; repugnance
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=aversion

My thoughts: An aversion is a strong dislike, but not necessarily hatred. It implies wanting to avoid whatever it is you have an aversion to.

Examples:

My three-year-old has an aversion to vegetables.

Some mammals have an aversion to water.

Children may experience an aversion to various textures for a variety of reasons.

Abhorrence (noun) - Hate coupled with disgust
http://dictionary.reference.com/search?q=abhorrence

My thoughts: An abhorrence is extreme hatred and disgust. It's much stronger than an aversion.

Examples:

My entire philosophy is shaped by an abhorrence of suffering and cruelty.

If we make a determined effort, we can cultivate an abhorrence of emptiness and falsity.

The two shared an abhorrence of social injustice.

[leslie]

Hi Harmony,

Thank you very much for your detailed explanation. I understand it completely now. Thank you, thank you, and thank you.

Leslie

[Harmony]

You're welcome, you're welcome, and you're welcome!

[LucentShade]

One possibility for confusion is that there's a phrasal verb, "break up," that is similar in meaning to "separate." For instance:

The kids were fighting, and the teacher had to separate them.

The kids were fighting, and the teacher had to break them up.

~essentially the same meaning. This can be used for romantic relationships: "Steve and Jessica broke up" =separated, ended their relationship

However, with married couples, "break up" is not used:

My parents separated. // My parents (got) divorced.


To me, as the dictionary says, "break" means smash, destroy, shatter, reduce to pieces. "Separate" is more like "divide."