Isolating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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isolating

[หˆaษชsษ™หŒleษชtษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

in linguistics

Referring to a language in which each word is a single morpheme, capable of conveying a complete meaning on its own. Isolating languages do not use inflections or conjugations to indicate grammatical relationships.

Examples of usage

  • Chinese is considered an isolating language.
  • Vietnamese is another example of an isolating language.
Context #2 | Verb

making someone or something be alone

The act of setting someone or something apart from others, often for the purpose of preventing the spread of a disease or avoiding contact.

Examples of usage

  • The patients were isolating in separate rooms to prevent the spread of infection.
  • She isolated herself from the rest of the group to focus on her work.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Excessive isolating can lead to feelings of sadness and depression, as humans are social creatures who thrive on connections.
  • Studies have shown that isolation can affect mental health, leading to anxiety and reduced cognitive function over time.
  • Social isolation has been linked to higher risks of physical health issues, such as heart disease and decreased immune response.

Historical Origins

  • The term originates from the Latin 'insulatus', meaning 'made into an island', reflecting the physical separation of being cut off.
  • In the 18th century, the word came to be used in various contexts, especially in medicine to describe treatment methods that separated patients to prevent disease spread.
  • Throughout history, the concept of isolation has been used as both punishment and treatment, illustrating its complex role in society.

Pop Culture

  • The feeling of being isolating has been a theme in many songs and movies, often reflecting personal struggles with loneliness.
  • Famous novels, like 'The Catcher in the Rye', explore the protagonistโ€™s feelings of isolation, resonating with teenage angst and longing for connection.
  • Television series often illustrate characters dealing with isolation, such as in 'The Walking Dead', where survivors feel alone in a post-apocalyptic world.

Literature

  • Isolation is a powerful theme in classic literature, often exploited to illustrate the struggles of characters, such as in Mary Shelley's 'Frankenstein'.
  • In poetry, writers like Emily Dickinson frequently explored personal feelings of isolation through vivid imagery and introspection.
  • The concept of isolating brings depth to narratives, encouraging readers to empathize with characters facing loneliness and separation.

Origin of 'isolating'

The word 'isolating' originated from the verb 'isolate,' which comes from the Latin word 'insulatus,' meaning 'made into an island.' The concept of isolating oneself or something has been present throughout history, whether for protection, purification, or other reasons. In linguistics, the term 'isolating' emerged to describe languages with single morphemes as words.


See also: isolated, isolation, isolator.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,630, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.