Definition

Adjective: - Distinct or separated from others: Describes a state of being physically or emotionally separated, isolated, or perceived as different from a group or the mainstream.

Usage

The adjective "set-apart" is used to describe a person, group, or thing that is or feels distinctly separate, isolated, or different from others. It often carries a connotation of deliberate distinction or resulting isolation.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to be set apart": This is the more common verbal phrase from which the adjective is derived. It means to be distinguished, reserved, or isolated for a specific purpose.
  • One student's talent was clearly set apart from the rest.
  • A portion of the land was set apart for conservation.

Variants and Related Words

• Set apart (verb phrase): To distinguish, separate, or designate for a special purpose.
• Detached (adjective): Similar in meaning, often implying emotional separation or aloofness.
• Isolated (adjective): Placed or standing alone; remote from others.
• Separated (adjective): Caused to move or be apart.

Synonyms

• Separated
• Detached
• Isolated
• Segregated
• Removed

Antonyms

• Integrated
• Connected
• United
• Included
• Merged

Notes

"Set-apart" is a compound adjective formed from the phrasal verb "to set apart." It is typically hyphenated when used attributively (before a noun), as in "a set-apart feeling." When used predicatively (after a linking verb like "felt" or "was"), the hyphen is sometimes omitted, though it is often retained for clarity.

Adjective

1. being or feeling set or kept apart from others
   • she felt detached from the group
   • could not remain the isolated figure he had been- Sherwood Anderson
   • thought of herself as alone and separated from the others
   • had a set-apart feeling