break apart

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Explanation of "Break Apart"

Definition:
The phrase "break apart" is a verb that means to separate something into smaller pieces or to cause something to become divided. It can also describe something that happens suddenly or violently.

Example Sentences:

1. Literal Use:

   • "The glass dropped and broke apart into many small pieces."
   • This means that the glass was shattered into smaller parts.

2. Figurative Use:

   • "The team broke apart after the coach left."
   • This means that the team members went their separate ways or stopped working together.

Advanced Usage:

"Break apart" can be used in more complex sentences or discussions about social issues, politics, or relationships. For example: - "The political tensions caused the country to break apart into smaller factions." - This indicates that the country divided into different smaller groups due to disagreements.

Word Variants:

• Breakup (noun): The process of breaking apart, especially in relationships.

  • Example: "Their breakup was very difficult for both of them."

• Breaking (noun): The act of separating or causing to break.

  • Example: "The breaking of the contract led to many legal issues."

Different Meanings:

While "break apart" mainly means to separate, it can also imply a loss of unity or harmony.

Synonyms:

• Separate
• Divide
• Split
• Shatter

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Break up: Often used in the context of relationships, meaning to end a romantic relationship.

  • Example: "They decided to break up after two years of dating."

• Break down: This can mean to stop functioning (like a machine) or to become very emotional.

  • Example: "After hearing the bad news, she broke down in tears."

Summary:

"Break apart" is a versatile verb that describes the action of separating or dividing. Whether referring to objects or relationships, it conveys the idea of something being pulled into smaller pieces or losing its unity.

Academic

Verb

1. break up or separate
   • The country is disunifying
   • Yugoslavia broke apart after 1989
2. break violently or noisily; smash;
3. take apart into its constituent pieces

Synonyms

• disunify
• crash
• break up
• disassemble
• dismantle
• take apart