Separate

Return to > Dictionary

1. Definition + Rich Everyday Explanation

Separate (verb / adjective) = to divide or split things that were together; to move apart or keep distinct; or (as adjective) not joined, connected, or the same.

This word is all about division and distinction — creating space or boundaries where there wasn’t any before.

As a verb, separate means to pull apart or isolate — physically like sorting laundry, or figuratively like ending a relationship (“they separated last year”). The metaphorical uses are huge: separating facts from opinions, separating work and personal life. It often implies clarifying or organizing by putting things into different categories.

As an adjective, separate describes things that are individual or detached — separate rooms, separate issues, separate checks at a restaurant. It emphasizes independence or difference — “we have separate opinions” means they’re not aligned.

In everyday life, “separate” can feel neutral (organizing items), practical (dividing tasks), or emotional (couples separating). It signals boundaries being drawn — sometimes for clarity and health, sometimes sadly marking an end.

Examples from the street:

• “Can we get separate bills?” → polite way to avoid splitting awkwardly, shows independence at dinner
• “They decided to separate after 10 years” → quiet announcement of a relationship ending, feels heavy and personal
• “Let’s separate this into two meetings” → practical suggestion to focus better, sounds organized

2. Most Common Patterns

• separate + noun + from + noun → divide one thing from another
• separate into + noun → divide into groups or parts
• separate + adjective (checks/bills/rooms) → individual ones
• keep/maintain separate → not mix or combine
• separate out + noun → isolate specific items

3. Phrasal Verbs

• separate out → isolate or remove specific parts
  Example: “Separate out the recyclables from the trash.”
• separate off → divide a section from the rest
  Example: “They separated off a quiet area for studying.”
• separate from → detach or end connection with
  Example: “It’s hard to separate from family when moving abroad.”

4. Example Sentences

1. Please separate the whites from the colors before washing→ Sort light clothes apart from dark ones prior to laundry.
2. The teacher separated the class into smaller groups→ The instructor divided students into compact teams.
3. We always ask for separate checks when dining out→ Individual bills are requested during restaurant meals.
4. It’s important to keep personal and professional lives separate→ Boundaries between private matters and work must remain distinct.
5. Can you separate out the ripe bananas?→ Isolate the ready-to-eat fruit from the others.
6. The couple decided to separate from each other temporarily→ The partners chose a brief period apart.
7. They live in separate rooms now→ Individual bedrooms are occupied currently.
8. The recipe says to separate the eggs from the yolks→ Divide egg whites apart from the yellow centers.
9. We need to maintain separate budgets for each project→ Distinct financial plans should stay independent per initiative.
10. The path separates into two trails ahead→ The route divides into dual directions further on.
11. I try to keep my work and personal life separate
    → (I don’t let my job problems affect my private life.)
12. Let’s keep business and friendship separate.
    → (Don’t mix emotional or personal matters with professional ones.)
13. In journalism, it’s important to keep facts and opinions separate
    → (Stay objective and avoid mixing personal views with reporting.)
14. They live in separate
15. Please separate the recyclable items from the trash. → (Put them in different bins.)

5. Personal Examples

1. In group activities, teachers often separate talkative students from each other to balance participation→ Educators frequently place chatty learners apart to encourage even involvement.
2. To improve focus, many English learners try to keep study time separate from social media→ Language students often maintain distinct periods for practice away from online distractions.

6. Register: Neutral

✔ Native usage tips

• Natives say “separate checks” casually in restaurants — it’s polite for wanting individual bills without awkward splitting.
• “Separate the facts from fiction” is common in debates or news — sounds analytical and clear-headed.
• For relationships, “they separated” is softer than “divorced” — implies possible reconciliation or less finality.
• “Keep them separate” often advises boundaries — like work/friends or politics/religion at dinner.

✔ Similar expressions / words

• Divide → very close; more about splitting into parts, less about detachment
• Distinct → adjective version; emphasizes clear difference without physical separation
• Apart → similar for physical or emotional distance; more casual