Separate
/ˈsɛpəˌreɪt/
Meaning & Definition
verb
to set or keep apart; to divide or disconnect.
The teacher asked the students to separate into groups for the project.
to remove from association or joint influence.
They decided to separate their finances after the divorce.
to create a distinction between two or more things.
It is important to separate fact from fiction in any research.
adjective
distinct or not joined; existing as an independent entity.
They live in separate houses in different neighborhoods.
not connected or related.
She has separate interests that she pursues outside of work.
divided or set apart.
The two countries have had separate histories for centuries.
Etymology
From Latin 'separare', from 'se-' (apart) + 'parare' (to make).
Common Phrases and Expressions
separate ways
To go in different directions or pursue different paths.
separate from
To be independent or not connected.
separate the wheat from the chaff
To distinguish the valuable from the worthless.
Related Words
separation
The action of separating or the state of being separated.
separator
An object or device that separates two things.
separated
Having been divided or moved apart.
Slang Meanings
To ghost someone.
She just separated from her friends by ghosting them.
To break off a relationship.
They decided to separate after a long discussion.