Isolate: meaning, definitions and examples

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isolate

[ˈaɪsəleɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

to separate

To isolate means to separate something or someone from others, often for the purpose of protection. It can also refer to being alone or feeling disconnected from others.

Synonyms

disconnect, quarantine, segregate, separate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
isolate	Use 'isolate' when you need to separate something to keep it apart from others, often for the purpose of protection or scientific study. The scientist had to isolate the bacteria to study it more closely She decided to isolate herself to focus on writing her book
disconnect	Use 'disconnect' when detaching or breaking a connection, especially in the context of technology or relationships. It implies a physical or emotional separation. Please disconnect the charger from the laptop when it's fully charged They decided to disconnect from social media for a week

Word

Description / Examples

isolate

Use 'isolate' when you need to separate something to keep it apart from others, often for the purpose of protection or scientific study.

The scientist had to isolate the bacteria to study it more closely
She decided to isolate herself to focus on writing her book

disconnect

Use 'disconnect' when detaching or breaking a connection, especially in the context of technology or relationships. It implies a physical or emotional separation.

Please disconnect the charger from the laptop when it's fully charged
They decided to disconnect from social media for a week

Examples of usage

He decided to isolate himself from the rest of the group.
The doctor recommended isolating the patient to prevent the spread of infection.
She felt isolated in the new school, away from her friends.
I prefer to isolate myself when I need some time alone.
The island is isolated from the mainland by the ocean.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

a person who is alone or disconnected

An isolate is a person who is alone, separated, or disconnected from others. It can also refer to a group or thing that is separated from others.

Synonyms

hermit, loner, outcast, solitary.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
isolate	Used when talking about separating something or someone from others, often for health, safety, or scientific reasons. The scientists needed to isolate the bacteria in order to study it. During the pandemic, those who tested positive were asked to isolate themselves.
loner	Describes a person who prefers to be alone or independent, often in a neutral or slightly positive sense. She has always been a bit of a loner, enjoying solitary walks in the park. Despite being a loner, he has a few very close friends.
solitary	Refers to being alone or isolated, often by choice or as a characteristic of a person's lifestyle. It can be neutral or positive. She enjoys the solitary life of a writer, finding inspiration in her own thoughts. Some animals, like tigers, are naturally solitary creatures.
outcast	Used to describe someone who has been rejected or ostracized by society or a group. This term usually has a negative connotation. He felt like an outcast after moving to a new school where he knew no one. During medieval times, people with certain diseases were often treated as outcasts.
hermit	Refers to someone who lives alone, often for religious reasons or to avoid society. This term can have a somewhat eccentric or dedicated connotation. After his spiritual awakening, he decided to live as a hermit in the mountains. Legend says that a hermit lives deep in the woods, far from modern life.

Examples of usage

He was an isolate, preferring solitude over socializing.
The mountain village is considered an isolate due to its remote location.
She felt like an isolate in the bustling city, surrounded by strangers.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'insulatus', which means 'made into an island'.
It passed through French before entering English, showing how language evolves through culture.
The use of 'isolate' first appeared in English around the early 17th century.

Psychology

Isolation can lead to feelings of loneliness and sadness, impacting mental health.
Research shows that social isolation can have similar health effects as smoking or obesity.
In psychology, isolating oneself might be a response to stress or trauma as a way to cope.

Science

In biology, scientists often isolate cells or genes to study them separately from others for research.
During a pandemic, isolating infected individuals helps control the spread of disease.
Isolates in genetics refer to specific strains or variations that have been separated for study.

Literature

Many authors depict themes of isolation in their works, reflecting on the human experience, seen vividly in novels like 'Frankenstein'.
Isolation is often used in poetry to convey deep emotions, allowing readers to connect with feelings of solitude.
Classic literature often portrays isolation as a turning point for character development, leading them to self-discovery.

Pop Culture

Songs like 'Lonely' by Akon vividly express the pain of feeling isolated from loved ones.
Films often explore characters' journeys through isolation, often leading to personal growth or tragic endings.
In video games, characters might experience isolation, emphasizing the player's connection to the story.

Translations

Translations of the word "isolate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 isolar

🇮🇳 अलग करना

🇩🇪 isolieren

🇮🇩 mengisolasi

🇺🇦 ізолювати

🇵🇱 izolować

🇯🇵 隔離する (kakuri suru)

🇫🇷 isoler

🇪🇸 aislar

🇹🇷 izole etmek

🇰🇷 격리하다 (gyeongrihada)

🇸🇦 عزل (azl)

🇨🇿 izolovat

🇸🇰 izolovať

🇨🇳 隔离 (gélí)

🇸🇮 izolirati

🇮🇸 einangra

🇰🇿 оқшаулау

🇬🇪 იზოლირება (izolireba)

🇦🇿 izolyasiya etmək

🇲🇽 aislar

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,193 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

...
9190 occupants
9191 professed
9192 wreck
9193 isolate
9194 anemia
9195 chalk
9196 weakly
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