Definition

Adverb: 1. As a distinct or individual unit; apart from others: Used to indicate that items, people, or actions are considered or dealt with one by one, not together or as a group. 2. In a separate manner; not jointly: Used to describe actions performed independently or states of being divided.

Usage

The adverb "separately" modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs to describe an action done individually or a state of being apart. * It often follows verbs like consider, treat, sell, live, discuss, or pack. * It can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence for emphasis.

Examples

• Modifying a verb:

  • Please pack the fragile items separately. (Indicates the action of packing should be done in a divided manner.)
  • They arrived at the party separately. (Indicates the action of arriving was done individually, not together.)
  • The issues must be addressed separately. (Indicates the action of addressing should be done one by one.)

• At the beginning of a clause for emphasis:

  • Separately, these ingredients are harmless, but combined they create a toxic gas.

Advanced Usage

• "Taken separately": A common phrase meaning "when each one is considered on its own."
  • Taken separately, his arguments seem logical, but together they contradict each other.

Variants and Related Words

• Separate (adjective): Not joined or connected; distinct.
  • They have separate bank accounts.
• Separate (verb): To cause to move or be apart; to divide.
  • The wall separates the two gardens.
• Separation (noun): The action or state of moving or being moved apart.
  • The separation of church and state is important.

Synonyms

• Individually: One by one; singly.
• Singly: One at a time; separately.
• Apart: Into parts or pieces; separately.
• Independently: Without being influenced or controlled by others.

Antonyms

• Together: With or in proximity to another person or people.
• Jointly: In cooperation or partnership; together.
• Collectively: As a group; as a whole.

Related Phrases

• To be billed separately: To receive an individual invoice for charges.
  • Room service and minibar items will be billed separately.
• To live separately: To reside in different dwellings, often used in the context of a couple not divorcing but not cohabiting.
  • After the argument, they decided to live separately for a while.

Adverb

1. apart from others
   • taken individually, the rooms were, in fact, square
   • the fine points are treated singly