Separating
/ˈsɛpəreɪtɪŋ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo keep things or people apart; to divide or disunite.
/ˈsɛpəreɪtɪŋ/
To set or keep apart.
She is separating the recycling from the trash.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're sorting toys. Separating means putting the cars in one box, the dolls in another, and the blocks in yet another. You're keeping them apart on purpose, like when you want to make sure cookies don't stick together when cooling.
👶 For kids: Putting things in different places or groups.
More Examples
The teacher is separating the students into groups for the project.
Separating the cream from the milk is the first step in making butter.
How It's Used
"Separating the ingredients before baking is essential."
"They are separating due to irreconcilable differences."
To become or move apart.
/ˈsɛpəreɪtɪŋ/
To move apart.
The crowd was beginning to separate after the concert.
💡 Simply: Think of magnets. If you push two of the same sides together, they *separate* because they don't like being close to each other. It's like when you're walking with friends, and one of you speeds up or slows down, and the group starts separating.
👶 For kids: Moving away from each other.
More Examples
The particles were separating in the solution.
The couple's paths are separating as they grow older.
How It's Used
"The two magnets are separating under the effect of the magnetic force."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Latin *separatus*, past participle of *separare* 'to divide, sever'.
The word has been used since the late 14th century. It reflects the historical use of 'separate' which was to divide.
Memory tip
Think of two ingredients in a recipe – separating them ensures a good outcome.
Word Origin
"to divide, set apart"