Meaning & use
demarcation line
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Meanings
phrasecountable
A physical boundary that marks the edge of an area or the division between two areas.
Grammar: Often used with 'the': the demarcation line between the two countries.
Patterns
- the demarcation line between A and B
- a demarcation line along something
The river forms a natural demarcation line between the two provinces.
A demarcation line was drawn on the map to separate the farms.
Soldiers patrolled the demarcation line to prevent crossings.
phrasecountablefigurative
A figurative boundary that separates different responsibilities, ideas, or groups.
Grammar: Often used in discussions about roles or concepts: the demarcation line between work and home.
Patterns
- the demarcation line between A and B
- draw a demarcation line
There is a clear demarcation line between the manager's duties and the staff's.
The debate blurred the demarcation line between fact and opinion.
Parents often struggle to draw a demarcation line between helping and controlling.
Word forms
| plural | demarcation lines |
|---|
Common combinations
- clear demarcation line
- The contract sets a clear demarcation line between the two roles.
- cross the demarcation line
- Anyone who crosses the demarcation line will be stopped.
- draw a demarcation line
- The treaty drew a demarcation line through the valley.
- demarcation line between
- The demarcation line between the two districts is a stone wall.
Synonyms and how they differ
- boundary
- Boundary is a general word for any line that marks a limit; demarcation line is more formal and often suggests an official or visible division.
- border
- Border usually refers to a line between countries or regions; demarcation line can also be used figuratively for responsibilities.
- dividing line
- Dividing line is similar but less formal; demarcation line is common in official or technical contexts.
Word family
- demarcate verb
- To mark or establish the limits of something.
- demarcation noun
- The act of setting a boundary or the boundary itself.
Commonly confused: demarcation line or demarcation?
demarcation line vs demarcation
Demarcation is the noun for the act or process of setting boundaries; a demarcation line is the actual line itself.
Practice
The peace agreement established a ______ between the two warring sides.
Choose one answer.
The sentence needs a noun phrase for the thing that was established, so 'demarcation line' is correct. 'Demarcation' alone refers to the process, not the physical line. 'Demarcate' is a verb, and 'demarcating' is a participle, neither of which fits after 'a'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “demarcation line”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.