Definition

Verb (transitive): 1. To separate or keep distinct from others: To isolate, distinguish, or mark something as different. 2. To designate or reserve for a special purpose: To select or allocate something or someone for a specific use or role.

Usage and Examples

• The unique architecture sets the building apart from all the others in the city.
• Her dedication to detail set her apart as the top candidate for the promotion.
• A fund was set apart for emergency repairs and maintenance.
• The quiet study room is set apart for students who need to concentrate.

Advanced Usage

• To be set apart: Often used in a passive sense to describe the state of being distinct or reserved.
  • This collection is set apart by its historical significance.
• To set oneself apart: To distinguish oneself through one's actions or qualities.
  • He set himself apart through his innovative research.

Variants and Related Words

• Set-aside (noun): A portion of something, especially money or land, officially reserved for a particular purpose.
  • The government announced a new set-aside for small businesses.

Synonyms

• Distinguish: To recognize or point out a difference.
• Isolate: To place or keep apart from others.
• Seclude: To keep away from others.
• Reserve: To keep for a particular use or purpose.
• Designate: To choose someone or something for a specific role or purpose.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Set aside: Very similar in meaning to "set apart," often used interchangeably, especially for the meaning of reserving something.
  • She sets aside time each day for exercise.
• Put aside: To save or reserve something, often money or time.
  • They are putting aside funds for their vacation.

Related Idioms

• In a class of its own: So excellent it has no equal; distinctly superior. (Similar to the distinguishing sense of "set apart.")
  • As a pianist, she is in a class of her own.
• Marked for: Destined or singled out for a particular fate or purpose.
  • From a young age, he was marked for greatness.

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