C1noun2K

Isolation

UK /["/ˌaɪsəˈleɪʃn/"]/US /["/ˌaɪsəˈleɪʃn/"]/

Definition

the act of separating somebody/something; the state of being separate

In simple words: being alone or separated from others

Examples

  • The patient was kept in isolation to prevent the spread of the contagious disease.
  • Social isolation can have serious effects on mental health and wellbeing.
  • Scientists used isolation techniques to extract the pure compound from the mixture.
  • Isolation of the variables was necessary to understand their individual impacts on the experiment.
  • The researchers studied the geographical isolation of species on the island.
  • After moving to a remote cabin, she experienced profound feelings of isolation from society.

Usage notes

Use 'isolation' in formal contexts when discussing health, psychology, or social issues. Avoid in casual conversations, where simpler terms like 'alone' might be used instead.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of 'I-so-late-on' as when you're alone and feel left out.

Collocations

  • complete
  • total
  • relative
  • experience
  • suffer
  • suffer from
  • hospital
  • room
  • ward
  • in isolation
  • in splendid isolation
  • complete
  • total
  • relative
  • experience
  • suffer
  • suffer from
  • hospital
  • room
  • ward
  • in isolation
  • in splendid isolation

Synonyms

  • seclusion
  • loneliness
  • alienation
  • segregation
  • quarantine

Antonyms

  • connection
  • companionship
  • togetherness

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'solitude', which has a more positive connotation.
  • Using it incorrectly to mean 'separation' in a general sense without the emotional aspect.
  • Overusing in casual conversation instead of simpler terms.