apart
UK: əˈpɑːt | US: əˈpɑːrt
adv. separated by distance or time
adv. into pieces or parts
adj. (predicative) isolated or independent
The word "apart" originates from Old French a part (literally "to the side"), combining the prefix a- (from Latin ad-, meaning "to" or "toward") and part (from Latin pars, meaning "piece" or "division"). Over time, it evolved in Middle English to signify separation or distinction. The morphemes reflect a clear spatial logic: "a-" implies directionality, while "part" denotes a segment, together conveying the idea of being set away from a whole.
The two friends grew apart after moving to different cities.
She tore the paper apart in frustration.
The old house fell apart during the storm.
He stood apart from the crowd, lost in thought.
These issues must be considered apart from each other.