SEPARATE Meaning and
Definition
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Separate is an adjective that refers to something that is distinct or different from something else, or to describe the act of dividing or disconnecting two or more entities. When used as an adjective, separate emphasizes the idea of apartness or distinctness. For instance, two separate rooms in a house are individual spaces that are not connected. It implies a clear division or distinction between the entities in question. It can also describe something that is kept apart from others due to its uniqueness or special quality.
As a verb, separate denotes the action of dividing or disconnecting entities that were once joined or together. It involves physically or conceptually splitting or isolating things from a whole. For example, to separate a mixture of substances is to divide and sort each component based on their distinct properties. The verb also conveys the idea of breaking apart or untangling items that were previously entwined or unified.
Furthermore, separate can also indicate a state of independence or individuality, emphasizing that something or someone functions autonomously or has achieved a distinct identity. In this context, separate highlights the absence of dependence or unity. Overall, separate is a versatile term that conveys the notions of distinction, division, independence, or the act of dividing itself.
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• To part or disunite; to break or divide into parts; to sever from the rest; to withdraw, as persons; to withdraw from each other; to open.
• Divided from the rest; disunited; detached.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SEPARATE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for SEPARATE
Etymology of SEPARATE
The word "separate" originated from the Latin word "separatus", which is the past participle of the verb "separare". "Separare" is derived from the Latin prefix "se-" meaning "apart" or "away from", and the verb "parare", meaning "prepare" or "arrange". Hence, the etymology of "separate" suggests the concept of setting things apart or arranging them in a distinct manner.
Idioms with the word SEPARATE
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go your (own) separate ways
"Go your (own) separate ways" is an idiom that means two or more people or groups are choosing to pursue different paths or outcomes, usually after having been together or collaborated in some way. It suggests a divergence of goals, interests, or beliefs, leading to a decision to part ways and continue individually.
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separate the men from the boys
The idiom "separate the men from the boys" means to distinguish or identify those who are genuinely mature, experienced, or capable from those who are not. It implies a test or situation that exposes individuals' true abilities, skills, or character.
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go your separate ways
The idiom "go your separate ways" means to end a relationship or association and for each person involved to pursue their own path or direction independently.
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separate/sort out the men from the boys
The idiom "separate/sort out the men from the boys" means to distinguish individuals who are capable, experienced, and competent, from those who are less mature, inexperienced, or less skilled. It refers to the act of identifying the more capable or superior individuals among a group.
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separate off (from sth)
The idiom "separate off (from sth)" means to split or divide a specific part from the whole or to isolate oneself or a group from a larger entity or group. It implies creating a distinction or detachment from the rest.
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separate but equal
The idiom "separate but equal" refers to a doctrine or policy that promotes segregation or discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or other characteristics, under the pretense of providing equal opportunities or facilities for different groups. The term originated during the segregation era in the United States when laws were enacted requiring separate public facilities (such as schools, transportation, or restrooms) for minority groups, while claiming that these separate facilities were of equal quality to those provided for the majority. However, in practice, these facilities were often inferior and served to perpetuate inequalities and injustice. The concept has since become synonymous with systemic discrimination and the failure to ensure true equality and integration.
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separate sth out of sth
The idiom "separate something out of something" refers to the act of isolating or dividing something from a larger whole, usually to analyze or deal with it separately. It implies extracting or segregating a specific component or element from a mixture, group, or situation.
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separate sth off from sth
The idiom "separate sth off from sth" means to divide or isolate something from a larger entity or group. It involves creating a distinct or separate portion or section that is distinct from the rest.
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separate sm from (sm else)
The idiom "separate sm from (sm else)" means to distinguish or isolate someone or something from others, usually due to their unique qualities or characteristics. It implies setting someone or something apart to focus on their individuality or specific attributes.
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separate sm or sth into sth
The idiom "separate someone or something into something" means to divide or split a person or thing into smaller parts or groups based on certain criteria or characteristics.
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separate out the men from the boys
The idiom "separate out the men from the boys" means to distinguish or identify those who are mature, experienced, or capable from those who are immature, inexperienced, or incapable. It suggests evaluating or testing individuals to determine their level of skill, competence, or resilience.
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separate from
The idiom "separate from" means to detach, disengage, or isolate oneself or something from others or a particular situation. It implies creating a distinction or division, indicating a desire for independence or a need to be distinct or apart.
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under separate cover
The idiom "under separate cover" is commonly used to indicate that a related or additional item is being sent separately, often in a separate envelope or package. It implies that there is something else included, usually different from what is being discussed or mentioned, which will arrive at a different time or through a different method of delivery.
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separate the grain from the chaff
The idiom "separate the grain from the chaff" means to distinguish or separate what is valuable or useful from what is worthless or unimportant. It refers to the process of separating the edible grain from the inedible husks or chaff after harvesting. In a broader sense, it is used to describe the act of differentiating and selecting the valuable or worthwhile aspects from the less desirable or insignificant ones in various situations.
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go (one's) separate ways
The idiom "go (one's) separate ways" means to part or separate, often after a shared experience or period of time, each person going in a different direction or pursuing different paths in life.
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separate (or sort out) the men from the boys
The idiom "separate (or sort out) the men from the boys" is used to describe a situation where a challenge or test reveals who is truly competent, capable, or skilled, distinguishing the mature and experienced individuals from the inexperienced or less competent ones. It implies separating those who can handle the task at hand from those who cannot.
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sort out/separate the wheat from the chaff
The idiom "sort out/separate the wheat from the chaff" means to distinguish or separate the valuable or useful from the worthless or unimportant. It originates from the process of separating the edible grain (wheat) from the inedible husks or straw (chaff) after harvesting. This idiom is commonly used to describe the act of finding or identifying what is truly important or valuable from a larger group or situation.
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separate/sort out the sheep from the goats
The idiom "separate/sort out the sheep from the goats" means to distinguish between or separate the good or superior individuals or things from the bad or inferior ones. It is often used to refer to the process of differentiating between people or things based on their qualities, capabilities, or moral character.
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separate wheat from chaff
The idiom "separate wheat from chaff" means to distinguish or separate what is valuable or useful from what is worthless or unimportant. It originated from the agricultural practice of separating the edible wheat grains from the inedible chaff (dry outer husks) by throwing them into the air, allowing the wind to blow away the lighter chaff while the heavier wheat grains fall back down. In a figurative sense, it refers to the process of discerning the valuable or essential elements from the less significant or inconsequential ones.
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separate (or sort) the wheat from the chaff
The idiom "separate (or sort) the wheat from the chaff" means to distinguish or separate what is valuable or useful from what is worthless or unimportant. It refers to the process of separating the edible grains (wheat) from the husks, skin, or useless parts (chaff) using a winnowing technique. It is often used metaphorically to describe the act of distinguishing the valuable or essential aspects of something from the irrelevant or low-quality aspects.
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separate the wheat from the chaff
The idiom "separate the wheat from the chaff" means to distinguish what is valuable, important, or useful from what is worthless or unimportant. It refers to the process of separating the grain (wheat) from the husks (chaff) after it has been harvested, as only the grain is valuable. Metaphorically, it refers to the act of identifying or discerning what is worthwhile or meaningful from what is irrelevant or of little value.
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sort out/separate the sheep from the goats
The idiom "sort out/separate the sheep from the goats" means to distinguish or separate the superior or deserving individuals from the inferior or unworthy ones, often in a group or situation. It refers to the process of differentiating between two groups or categories, where one is considered better, more valuable, or more significant than the other.
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separate the sheep from the goats
The idiom "separate the sheep from the goats" means to distinguish or sort out people or things, separating the good or valuable ones from the bad or less valuable ones. It is often used to describe the process of identifying or classifying individuals or things based on their qualities, abilities, or virtues.
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sort out/separate the men from the boys
To separate those who are fully competent or mature from those who are not as well-developed or experienced. It is often used to describe a situation where individuals must demonstrate their abilities or strengths.
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separate from else Go to separate from
The idiom "separate from else" means to be distinct or unconnected from others. It implies being individual or standing alone in a particular situation. The phrase "Go to separate from" is not a standard idiom, but it could be interpreted as a command to move away or detach oneself from something or someone else.
Similar spelling words for SEPARATE
Conjugate verb Separate
CONDITIONAL
I
would separate
you
would separate
he/she/it
would separate
we
would separate
they
would separate
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be separating
you
would be separating
he/she/it
would be separating
we
would be separating
they
would be separating
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have separate
you
would have separate
he/she/it
would have separate
we
would have separate
they
would have separate
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been separating
you
would have been separating
he/she/it
would have been separating
we
would have been separating
they
would have been separating
FUTURE
I
will separate
you
will separate
he/she/it
will separate
we
will separate
they
will separate
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be separating
you
will be separating
he/she/it
will be separating
we
will be separating
they
will be separating
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have separated
you
will have separated
he/she/it
will have separated
we
will have separated
they
will have separated
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been separating
you
will have been separating
he/she/it
will have been separating
we
will have been separating
they
will have been separating
IMPERATIVE
you
separate
we
let´s separate
to separate
PAST
I
separated
you
separated
he/she/it
separated
we
separated
they
separated
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was separating
you
were separating
he/she/it
was separating
we
were separating
they
were separating
PAST PARTICIPLE
separated
PAST PERFECT
I
had separated
you
had separated
he/she/it
had separated
we
had separated
they
had separated
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been separating
you
had been separating
he/she/it
had been separating
we
had been separating
they
had been separating
PRESENT
I
separate
you
separate
he/she/it
separates
we
separate
they
separate
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am separating
you
are separating
he/she/it
is separating
we
are separating
they
are separating
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
separating
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have separated
you
have separated
he/she/it
has separated
we
have separated
they
have separated
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been separating
you
have been separating
he/she/it
has been separating
we
have been separating
they
have been separating
I
would have separated
we
would have separated
you
would have separated
he/she/it
would have separated
they
would have separated
