Segregate: meaning, definitions and examples

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segregate

[ˈsɛɡrɪˌɡeɪt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

racial segregation

To set apart or separate people based on race or ethnicity, often leading to discrimination and inequality.

Synonyms

divide, isolate, separate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
segregate	This word is often used in the context of separating people or groups based on specific characteristics, such as race, religion, or gender. It often carries a negative connotation due to its association with social injustice. In the past, laws were created to segregate schools based on race Efforts were made to segregate different religious communities
separate	This term is used for making a distinction between two or more things or keeping them apart. It can be neutral or slightly negative depending on the context. They decided to separate the recyclables from the trash The couple decided to separate after years of marriage
isolate	This word is often used when discussing keeping someone or something alone or apart to keep it away from others. It can be used in medical contexts, social contexts, or even in technology. Doctors decided to isolate the patient to prevent the spread of infection Feeling lonely, she started to isolate herself from her friends
divide	This term is generally used when discussing splitting something into parts or groups. It doesn’t carry a negative connotation and can be used in a variety of contexts, from mathematics to social contexts. The teacher asked the students to divide into groups for the project The river divides the city into two parts

Examples of usage

Segregation laws were common in the United States until the 1960s.
The Civil Rights Movement fought against segregation in the 1960s.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

sorting objects

To separate or divide objects or things into categories or groups based on certain criteria.

Synonyms

classify, divide, sort.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
segregate	Used when separating people or things into different groups, often with a negative connotation related to discrimination. The policy was criticized because it segregated students based on their abilities. In the past, laws were enacted to segregate people of different races.
sort	Used when arranging items in a specific order, usually based on a common characteristic. Often implies a more methodical or logical approach. She spent the afternoon sorting her old photos by date. The recycling center sorts materials into different categories for processing.
classify	Used when organizing things into categories based on specific criteria or characteristics. The librarian needed to classify the new books by genre. Scientists classify organisms based on their biological characteristics.
divide	Used when splitting something into parts or groups, which can be either physical or abstract. It may or may not have a negative connotation. Let's divide the cake into eight slices. The river divides the country into two regions.

Examples of usage

In the recycling plant, workers segregate different types of materials.
The students were asked to segregate the books by genre in the library.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word comes from the Latin 'segregare', which means 'to separate' or 'to gather apart'.
In the United States, segregation became a key issue during the Civil Rights Movement, when laws separated people based on race.

Social Science

Segregation can occur in various contexts, including education, housing, and public facilities, often leading to inequality.
Research has shown that segregated communities can impact access to resources like education and healthcare.

Psychology

Human behavior often leads to social segregation based on shared interests, beliefs, or backgrounds, which can enhance group identity.
Studies indicate that segregation can affect individuals' perceptions and interactions with others, fostering stereotypes.

Legal Frameworks

Many countries have laws aimed at dismantling segregation to promote equality and avoid discrimination.
The landmark case Brown v. Board of Education in 1954 ruled that racial segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.

Pop Culture

Movies and literature often explore themes of segregation, highlighting its consequences on society and individual lives.
Popular songs during the Civil Rights Movement often addressed issues of segregation, emphasizing the quest for equality.

Translations

Translations of the word "segregate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 segregar

🇮🇳 अलग करना

🇩🇪 trennen

🇮🇩 memisahkan

🇺🇦 відокремлювати

🇵🇱 segregować

🇯🇵 分ける (wakeru)

🇫🇷 séparer

🇪🇸 separar

🇹🇷 ayırmak

🇰🇷 분리하다 (bunrihada)

🇸🇦 فصل

🇨🇿 oddělit

🇸🇰 oddeľovať

🇨🇳 分开 (fēnkāi)

🇸🇮 ločiti

🇮🇸 aðgreina

🇰🇿 бөлу

🇬🇪 გამიჯვნა

🇦🇿 ayırmaq

🇲🇽 separar

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,745, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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19742 wistful
19743 illustrator
19744 heaviness
19745 segregate
19746 categorize
19747 scornful
19748 flair
...