A2adjective1K

Separate

UK /["/ˈseprət/"]/US /["/ˈseprət/"]/

Definition

forming a unit by itself; not joined to something else

In simple words: To put things apart from each other.

Examples

  • It's important to keep the separate components of the experiment organized.
  • We should have a separate discussion about the budget.
  • The twins have separate rooms, but they often play together.
  • To keep things clear, let’s write down separate lists for each task.
  • The report includes separate sections for each department.

Usage notes

Use 'separate' when discussing dividing items or concepts. It's neutral, suitable for both written and spoken contexts. Avoid in overly casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

separate + object

Memory hint

Think of 'separate' like 'see separate' — imagine seeing two things that are not touching.

Collocations

  • be
  • become
  • remain
  • somewhat
  • very
  • essentially
  • from
  • go your separate ways
  • be
  • become
  • remain
  • somewhat
  • very
  • essentially
  • from
  • go your separate ways

Synonyms

  • divide
  • disconnect
  • isolate
  • split
  • segregate

Antonyms

  • combine
  • join
  • unite

Common mistakes

  • 'Seperate' is a common misspelling.
  • 'Separating' is sometimes incorrectly used with a direct object when it should not be.