separate
UK: /ˈsep.ər.eɪt/ | US: /ˈsep.ə.reɪt/
v. to divide or disconnect into distinct parts
adj. not joined or touching; distinct
n. (usually "separates") individual items of clothing sold singly
Derived from Latin separatus (past participle of separare), combining se- (apart) and parare (to arrange, prepare). The root par also appears in words like "prepare" (to arrange beforehand) and "apparatus" (equipment arranged for a purpose). Over time, "separate" evolved to emphasize division or distinction, retaining its core logic of "arranging apart."
The teacher asked the students to separate into groups.
Oil and water naturally separate due to their densities.
They live in separate houses but share custody of their children.
The report includes separate sections for each research topic.
She bought a skirt and blouse as separates.