set apart

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Explanation of "Set Apart"

Definition: The phrase "set apart" means to separate something or someone from others, often for a special purpose or to highlight their uniqueness.

Usage Instructions

1. Basic Usage: You can use "set apart" when you want to describe someone or something that is different from the rest. It can also mean to choose someone for a specific role or task.

2. Verb Form: "Set apart" is a phrasal verb. It is used with a subject (who is doing the action) and an object (what is being set apart).

Examples

1. Everyday Example:

   • "Her talent for singing sets her apart from her classmates."

2. Specific Purpose Example:

   • "The teacher set apart the best students to lead the project."

Advanced Usage

In more advanced contexts, "set apart" can also refer to distinguishing characteristics that make someone or something unique or exceptional. For example: - "The innovative design of the smartphone sets it apart from its competitors." - (Here, the focus is on how the design makes the smartphone unique.)

Word Variants

• Set apart (verb phrase): To separate or distinguish.
• Set-apart (adjective): Referring to something that is distinguished or unique in some way. (Less commonly used)

Different Meanings

1. Isolation:

   • "During the pandemic, many people were set apart from their friends and family."

2. Selection:

   • "In the audition, the actor was set apart for the lead role."

Synonyms

1. Distinguish: To recognize or ascertain what makes something different.
2. Isolate: To separate from others.
3. Select: To choose for a specific purpose.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• Stand out: To be noticeable or to be different in a positive way.

  • Example: "Her creativity makes her stand out in the art class."

• Set aside: This means to reserve something for a specific purpose, which is slightly different from "set apart."

  • Example: "Please set aside some time to study this weekend."

Summary

In summary, "set apart" is a useful phrase to describe the action of distinguishing or selecting something or someone for a special purpose. It can be applied in various contexts, from everyday situations to more formal selections.

Academic

Verb

1. set apart from others
   • The dentist sequesters the tooth he is working on
2. select something or someone for a specific purpose
   • The teacher assigned him to lead his classmates in the exercise

Synonyms

• sequester
• sequestrate
• keep apart
• isolate
• assign
• specify