separately

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/ˈsɛpərətli/
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In a separate manner, keeping things apart, treating them one by one, or doing them independently rather than together.

Examples

  • The invoices are sent separately for each client.
  • Please store the chemicals separately.
  • The twins were raised separately after their parents divorced.
  • The two experiments were run separately.
  • Each question should be answered separately.

Similar words

apart
singly
one by one
independently
individually
severally

Meanings

Usage

Use separately for apartness in place, treatment, timing, or method, and use separate only when an adjective or verb is needed.

Common mistakes

Separate replaces separately in errors like They were raised separate, and discreetly is sometimes chosen when apartness is meant.

Etymology

From separate plus -ly. Separate comes from Latin separatus, past participle of separare, "to set apart".

FAQ

What does separately mean?

Separately means apart, independently, one by one, or not together with something else.

Is separately an adverb?

Yes. Separately is an adverb, while separate can be an adjective or a verb.

What is the difference between separate and separately?

Separate describes or names the act of keeping things apart. Separately describes how something is done or exists.

Can separately mean one at a time?

Yes. Separately can mean that items, questions, or tasks are handled one by one instead of as a group.

Is separately the same as discreetly?

No. Separately means apart or independently. Discreetly means carefully or quietly to avoid attention.

What are opposites of separately?

Common opposites of separately include together, jointly, and collectively.

Where does separately come from?

Separately comes from separate plus -ly. The older root is Latin separare, meaning to set apart.

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