depart
Definitions
To leave, especially to begin a journey
离开；启程，出发
To deviate from an accepted course, plan, or tradition
背离，偏离（常规、计划）
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedde- (away) + part (divide, separate) = 'to divide oneself away' from a place. Separation became the everyday word for leaving. The figurative 'depart from a plan/tradition' keeps the same image: you split off from the expected path.
Root part still carries 68 more wordsWhy It Means This
depart is the headline word for the part-vs-port confusion. depart = part (separate, leave): a train departs. deport = port (carry away): a country deports an immigrant. Same first half, opposite roots. Remember: when you leave on a trip you divide yourself away — part, not carry.
Usage Guide
- Travel (neutral-formal): "the flight departs at 9 a.m." — the most common use, more formal than 'leave'
- Euphemism: "the departed" / "he departed this life" — a polite way to say someone has died
- Figurative (formal): "depart from the script / from tradition" — to deviate
Note the preposition: you depart FROM a place or a plan, not 'depart a place' in standard usage.
Example Sentences
- 1.
The train departs from platform six at noon.
- 2.
We departed early to avoid the traffic.
- 3.
The new manager departed sharply from old routines.