Segregated
ˈsɛɡrɪɡeɪtɪd
Definitions
2 meaningsTo separate or keep people or things apart because of differences (e.g., race, class, or other characteristics).
ˈsɛɡrɪɡeɪt
To separate or isolate people or things.
The school segregated students based on their test scores.
💡 Simply: Imagine two groups of kids on a playground, and a wall is built to keep them apart. Segregated is like that wall, creating separation. For example: 'The school segregated the students by their skill level.'
👶 For kids: When things or people are kept separate from each other, like keeping different toys in different boxes.
More Examples
Historically, restaurants were segregated, denying service to certain groups.
The company segregated its departments to improve efficiency.
In some countries, there is an attempt to segregate garbage.
How It's Used
"During the Jim Crow era, schools in the southern United States were segregated by race."
"Researchers segregate the different components of a cell for study."
Divided or kept apart from others. Having been separated or set apart from others, often along racial or ethnic lines.
ˈsɛɡrɪɡeɪtɪd
Separated or isolated from others.
The segregated neighborhoods showed clear disparities in wealth.
💡 Simply: Imagine a classroom where the kids are separated into groups; those groups would be considered segregated. For example: 'The segregated buses were a symbol of injustice.'
👶 For kids: When things or people are in different groups and not mixed together.
More Examples
The segregated facilities were a constant reminder of discrimination.
She grew up in a segregated society.
The city attempted to desegregate the housing market, but change was slow.
How It's Used
"Segregated communities often face disadvantages."
"Segregated housing policies perpetuated racial inequality."
Synonyms
From Latin *sēgregātus*, past participle of *sēgregāre* ('to set apart, separate'), from *sē-* ('apart') + *grex, greg-* ('flock, herd'). The word's usage evolved alongside societal practices of separating people based on various characteristics.
The term gained significant prominence in the context of racial segregation, particularly in the United States during the 20th century.
Memory tip
Think of a gate separating groups; segregated means being gated off from others.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: sēgregāre