dissolution
dis-uh-LOO-shun
/ˌdɪs.əˈluː.ʃən/
The formal termination or ending of a legal relationship, agreement, or marriage.
In many modern jurisdictions, 'dissolution of marriage' is the technical, no-fault legal term for what is commonly called a divorce.
The story behind the word. Dissolution comes from the Latin 'dissolutio', meaning 'a dissolving or breaking up'. It is formed from 'dis-' (apart) and 'solvere' (to loosen or untie). It literally means 'untying the knot' or 'melting away' a legal bond.
Word relationships
- termination: Termination is a general term for ending something, whereas dissolution implies a complete breaking apart or melting away of a structured entity.
- divorce: Divorce is the common term for ending a marriage, while dissolution is the formal legal term often associated with no-fault proceedings.
- establishment: Establishment is the act of founding or creating a legal entity or relationship.
- formation: Formation is the act of bringing a partnership or marriage into legal existence.
Commonly confused with
- annulment: Dissolution ends a valid marriage; annulment declares that the marriage was never valid from the start.
Word family
- dissolve (verb): To officially end a marriage, partnership, or organization.
- dissoluble (adjective): Capable of being dissolved or terminated.
Collocations
- dissolution of marriage
- dissolution of partnership
- decree of dissolution
- seek dissolution
Example sentences
- "The petition for the dissolution of their marriage was filed in the county court last Tuesday." A formal legal filing for divorce.
- "Following disagreements over strategy, the partners agreed to the dissolution of their firm." A business partnership ending.
Memory hook
Think of dissolving sugar in water. The marriage 'dissolves' and completely disappears into separate parts. Dissolution = Dissolving the bond.
When not to use
Do not use dissolution to describe a temporary separation where the marriage remains legally intact.
Fun facts
- The phrase 'tying the knot' is legally undone by 'dissolution', which literally means 'untying' in Latin.
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