Definition of "separate" in English

verb

1. (transitive) To divide (a thing) into separate parts.

   • Separate the articles from the headings.

2. (transitive) To disunite from a group or mass; to disconnect.

3. (transitive) To cause (things or people) to be separate.

   • If the kids get too noisy, separate them for a few minutes.

4. (intransitive) To divide itself into separate pieces or substances.

   • The sauce will separate if you don't keep stirring.

5. (obsolete) To set apart; to select from among others, as for a special use or service.

adjective

1. Apart from (the rest); not connected to or attached to (anything else).

   • This chair can be disassembled into five separate pieces.

2. (followed by “from”) Not together (with); not united (to).

   • I try to keep my personal life separate from work.

noun

1. (usually in the plural) Anything that is sold by itself, especially articles of clothing such as blouses, skirts, jackets, and pants.

2. (bibliography) A printing of an article from a periodical as its own distinct publication and distributed independently, often with different page numbers.