separate
English meaning: Separate
Definition
(usually in the plural) Anything that is sold by itself, especially an article of clothing.
Example
“After the meeting, the two companies went their separate ways.”
Another example: “Boutiques often sell coordinated separates rather than whole outfits.”
Usage — When, Where & How
As a verb 'separate' means to divide ('separate the eggs'); as an adjective, apart or distinct ('separate rooms'); as a noun (usually plural), individual garments. Everyday register; note the pronunciation differs for verb vs adjective.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'separatus', past participle of 'separare' 'to pull apart' (se- 'apart' + parare 'prepare'); 15th century.
Synonyms
Antonyms / Opposites
Related Words
Common Collocations
- separate ways
- keep separate
- separate rooms
- separate issue
- separate from
Word Forms
separate (v/adj/n); separated; separating; separation (n); separately (adv)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B