Seperate or Separate | Correct Spelling & Definition

The correct spelling is always separate, not seperate.

“Separate” is a word that can function as a verb or an adjective. As a verb, its primary definition is “to divide into different parts or groups.” When used as an adjective, it describes something that is distinct or a unit by itself.

Examples: Separate as a verb Examples: Separate as an adjective
I need to separate the donations based on where they’re getting shipped to. These toys must go into separate compartments.
Let’s separate the students by age group. We will take separate cars to avoid being cramped.
We separated the room by placing a curtain down the middle. We had to buy a separate piece of furniture to complete the look.
Note
Separate can also function as a noun that refers to individual articles of clothing that can be worn in different combinations (e.g., “She packed separates for her trip to change up her look”). However, this usage is rare.

Separate as a verb

As a verb, “separate” has several uses, but all relate to dividing, distinguishing, or parting.

For example, to separate the artist from the art means to see each as a distinct entity. Or, saying that a couple is separating means that they are breaking up or divorcing. In other words, they are parting ways.

Simply put, “separate” means “to set apart, divide, or distinguish as individual units.”

Examples: Separate as a verb
Don’t forget to separate the recyclables from the trash.

The teacher asked us to separate into groups based on our topics.

I used a strainer to separate the bones from the broth.

Remember that when used as a verb, “separate” is pronounced like “sep-uh-rate” (emphasis on the first syllable) and sounds similar to “operate.”

Separate as an adjective

As an adjective, “separate” describes something as an individual, autonomous, or distinct unit that is not linked or connected to something else.

For instance, when someone keeps their personal affairs separate from their work responsibilities, they make sure to not interlink or merge those two aspects of their life.

Examples: Separate as an adjective
The artist has a separate room for his art supplies.

After getting married, we decided to maintain separate bank accounts.

The gym has a separate area for yoga and stretching.

When used as an adjective, “separate” is pronounced like “sep-(uh)-rit” (emphasis on the first syllable) and sounds slightly similar to “desperate.”

Seperate vs separate

Seperate is a common misspelling that should always be avoided, whether it’s being used as a verb or an adjective.

Examples: Seperate vs separate
  • Let’s seperate the fruits before putting them away.
  • Let’s separate the fruits before putting them away.

Seperation or separation

Seperation is a misspelling. The correct spelling is always separation.

Examples: Seperation vs separation
  • Seperation of church and state is a vital component of government.
  • Separation of church and state is a vital component of government.

Seperated or separated

Seperated is an incorrect spelling. The right way to spell this word is separated.

Examples: Seperated vs separated
  • The twins evenly seperated all the gifts they received!
  • The twins evenly separated all the gifts they received.

 

Frequently asked questions about seperate or separate

What’s a synonym for separate when used as a verb?

Some synonyms for separate when used as a verb include:

  • Detach
  • Disconnect
  • Divide
  • Part
  • Split

QuillBot’s sentence rewriter can help you explore new ways to express your meaning.

What’s a synonym for separate when used as an adjective?

Some synonyms for separate when used as an adjective include:

  • Detached
  • Disparate
  • Distinct
  • Independent
  • Individual

QuillBot’s paragraph rewriter can help you find synonyms for words like “separate.”

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Gina Rancaño, BA

Gina holds a Bachelor of Arts in English, as well as a certificate in professional and public writing from Florida International University. When she’s not writing, she spends her time reading.