Separate: meaning, definitions and examples

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separate

[ˈsɛp(ə)rət ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

action

To set or keep apart; disunite; divide; disconnect. It can also mean to separate oneself from a group or situation.

Synonyms

detach, disconnect, divide, segregate, split.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
separate	General use when things or people need to be kept apart. Common in everyday language and neutral in tone. We need to separate the recyclables from the trash. They decided to separate their finances.
disconnect	Usually involves cutting off a connection or stopping communication, often technical or electrical. Make sure to disconnect the power supply before servicing the machine. Please disconnect the call if you are not getting through.
divide	Indicates splitting into parts or portions, often used in mathematics or when discussing sharing tasks. Let's divide the cake into eight equal parts. They decided to divide the workload equally.
detach	Used when something is being removed from a larger whole, often physical objects. Please detach the coupon before handing it over. The buttons on this shirt can easily be detached.
split	Used when something is being broken into parts, often implying a clean break or specific dividing line. Informal and often used in personal contexts. They decided to split the bill at the restaurant. The company plans to split into two separate entities.
segregate	Employed in contexts involving enforced separation, often based on race, gender, or other distinguishing factors. Has a negative connotation. The policy aimed to segregate students based on academic ability. Historically, many places were segregated by race.

Examples of usage

Please separate the different colored candies into separate piles.
She decided to separate from her toxic relationship.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

description

Existing or happening independently or in a different physical space.

Synonyms

different, distinct, individual, isolated, unconnected.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
separate	Used when talking about keeping things apart or not together. We need to keep the documents in separate folders. The two countries are separate entities.
distinct	Used when talking about something clearly different and unmistakable. There are three distinct categories of this species. She had a distinct accent from the local population.
different	Used when talking about things that are not the same. My shoes are different sizes. This book is very different from the one I read last week.
individual	Used when talking about a single person or thing. Each individual has unique qualities. We need to consider the individual needs of each child.
isolated	Used when talking about something that is alone or far away from everything else, often with a negative connotation. The house is in an isolated location. He felt isolated from his friends after moving to a new city.
unconnected	Used when talking about things that are not linked or related, often implying a lack of relationship or relevance. These two problems are unconnected. The incidents seem unconnected at first glance.

Examples of usage

The twins have separate bedrooms.
The company has two separate offices in different cities.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

mathematics

A point at which a curve intersects itself and forms a gap or loop.

Synonyms

intersection point, self-intersection point.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
separate	Use 'separate' to describe the action of dividing or keeping things apart from each other. 1 Please separate the recyclables from the trash 2 The teacher asked them to separate into small groups for the project
intersection point	Use 'intersection point' to describe the specific location where two or more lines, roads, or paths cross each other. 1 The intersection point of the two highways is often very busy 2 At the intersection point, the traffic light was malfunctioning
self-intersection point	Use 'self-intersection point' to describe a point where a single curve or line intersects with itself. 1 The self-intersection point of the figure-eight shape is very interesting to study in mathematics 2 The artist used a self-intersection point to create a complex design

Word

Description / Examples

separate

Use 'separate' to describe the action of dividing or keeping things apart from each other.

1
Please separate the recyclables from the trash
2
The teacher asked them to separate into small groups for the project

intersection point

Use 'intersection point' to describe the specific location where two or more lines, roads, or paths cross each other.

1
The intersection point of the two highways is often very busy
2
At the intersection point, the traffic light was malfunctioning

self-intersection point

Use 'self-intersection point' to describe a point where a single curve or line intersects with itself.

1
The self-intersection point of the figure-eight shape is very interesting to study in mathematics
2
The artist used a self-intersection point to create a complex design

Examples of usage

The curve has a point of separation where it crosses over itself.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'separare', meaning 'to set apart'.
In Old French, it evolved into 'separer' before entering English in the late 14th century.
The prefix 'se-' suggests a sense of apartness, while 'parare' relates to preparing or making.

Science

In biology, separating different species helps in studies about evolution and ecosystems.
Chemistry often involves the separation of substances using methods like filtration or distillation.
In physics, particles that repel each other can be described as separate due to forces acting on them.

Psychology

The concept of separating emotions can help individuals process feelings more effectively.
Cognitive behavioral therapy often involves separating thoughts from emotions to reduce anxiety.
Research shows that making clear distinctions in life experiences can lead to better coping strategies.

Cultural Context

In some cultures, separation of genders during certain events is a traditional practice.
Art often explores themes of separation in relationships, society, and individual identity.
The civil rights movement famously focused on the separation of races and the quest for equality.

Literature

Many literary works explore the theme of separation, such as 'The Kite Runner' which deals with friendship and cultural divides.
Classic poems often describe separation in terms of love and distance, emphasizing emotional struggles.
Novels frequently address physical and emotional separations, resonating with readers’ personal experiences.

Translations

Translations of the word "separate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 separar

🇮🇳 अलग करना

🇩🇪 trennen

🇮🇩 memisahkan

🇺🇦 відокремлювати

🇵🇱 oddzielać

🇯🇵 分ける

🇫🇷 séparer

🇪🇸 separar

🇹🇷 ayırmak

🇰🇷 분리하다

🇸🇦 يفصل

🇨🇿 oddělit

🇸🇰 oddeľovať

🇨🇳 分离

🇸🇮 ločiti

🇮🇸 aðskilja

🇰🇿 бөлу

🇬🇪 გამოყოფა

🇦🇿 ayırmaq

🇲🇽 separar

Word Frequency Rank

At #814 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.

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811 born
812 died
813 primary
814 separate
815 appeared
816 friend
817 active
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