Separately Meaning and Definition
Separately
Pronunciation
/ˈsɛpəˈreɪtli/
Part of Speech
Pronoun
Definition
A word used to indicate that something or someone is being considered or treated as distinct from others, often used in phrases or expressions to convey a sense of separateness or independence.
Examples
1. “I want to consider each candidate separately for the job.”
2. “She likes to work together on the project, but we’ll handle the finances separately.”
Synonyms
1. Independently
2. Separation
Antonyms
1. Jointly
2. Collectively
Additional Information
“Separately” is often used to emphasize the distinctness of something or someone, which can be useful in communication to avoid confusion or misinterpretation. Using this word correctly can help convey your intentions or needs more clearly. The word can be applied in various contexts, such as business, education, or everyday conversations. When using “separately”, consider the tone and audience to ensure it doesn’t come across as dismissive or separate without reason. Effective communication involves considering multiple perspectives and being sensitive to contexts. “Separately” has gained significant usage due to the increasing diversity of perspectives and the need to clearly express individuality.
The word’s popularity can be seen in educational institutions, where students are encouraged to work on tasks separately or in groups, depending on the topic or project. This approach helps foster creativity and collaboration among students. Additionally, educators often use this word when assessing individual contributions or when offering constructive criticism to students working on joint projects.
Furthermore, in professional settings, “separately” is used when discussing independent tasks, product development, or financial projections. This clarity of language helps ensure accurate communication and understanding within teams or when working with external partners.
Etymology
The word “separately” derives from the Old French “séparément,” meaning “apart” or “separately.” This stems from the Latin “separare,” which is related to “separa,” indicating a division or separation. The term has evolved through French influences, shaping the English language with a precise and nuanced meaning related to distinctness and independence.
Usage Notes
When using “separately,” consider the context to indicate independence or distinctness. You can also use this word in contexts like describing a creative process, outlining a task or project, or clarifying roles and responsibilities. Although it’s often used independently, combining “separately” with “together” can provide additional emphasis or clarity, such as “we work separately, but we work together as a team.”
Cultural References
In popular culture, “separately” has appeared in TV series like “The Office” (US) and books, such as “The Handmaid’s Tale,” where the concept of separate groups is crucial to the storyline.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Idiomatic expressions that include “separately” include “work separately,” “handle things separately,” or “separate concerns.”
Collocations
Common collocations with “separately” include “work separately,” “consider separately,” or “evaluate separately.”
Frequency of Use
The word “separately” is commonly used in formal and informal writing, both in American English and British English. According to data from Google Ngram Viewer, the frequency of “separately” has increased over time, indicating its growing relevance in modern language.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of “separately” include “seperately,” “seperatly,” or “seperate”>