separately
Americanadverb
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in such a way as to be physically detached, disconnected, or disjoined.
The note cards come in a boxed set of six or can be sold separately.
We wrapped each part of the gift separately and put them all in the basket.
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independently or distinctly, rather than as parts or aspects of one idea, event, process, problem, etc..
By the 17th century, “natural philosophy” (today called “natural science”) was beginning to be considered separately from philosophy in general.
Until now, these two communities have been working separately despite their similar interests.
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not at the same time or not in the same place; apart in space or time.
They’ve been married for 10 years but live separately.
The two arrived separately at the Ritz Hotel for the movie star’s 50th birthday party.
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not in a way that is shared; individually.
They should each be paid separately for the work they have done.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of separately
First recorded in 1550–60; separate ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )
Explanation
When things happen separately, they occur on an individual basis. Students who study separately study on their own. If you buy a remote-controlled helicopter and the box says “batteries sold separately,” you’ll be land-bound until you get some AAs. To separate things is to take them apart, like separating two students by making them sit in different parts of the room. Anything that occurs separately also exists on its own. If the President meets with members of Congress separately, he meets with them one at a time. If you don’t like it when your food touches, then you should eat the mashed potatoes and salad separately, not on the same plate.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Sabadell separately reported third-quarter results on Thursday and lowered slightly its annual guidance for net interest income, the difference between what banks earn on loans and pay on deposits.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 29, 2026
Some are also sold separately for sweetening foods and beverages.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 29, 2026
"One of the most important pillars of national unification is how the military units currently controlled separately by both sides will be brought together under a single umbrella," he added.
From Barron's ● Oct. 28, 2026
Philippines Interior Minister Jonvic Remulla separately told the BBC that national police had secured Thomas Markle Snr's computer to conduct a comprehensive digital forensic examination.
From BBC ● Oct. 24, 2026
It was a traditionally Hasidic wedding, with the men and women sitting separately and with a lot of dancing and singing.
From "The Chosen" by Chaim Potok
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