separately

[sep-er-it-lee]

adverb

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. not in a way that is shared; individually.

   They should each be paid separately for the work they have done.

Other Word Forms

• unseparately adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of separately¹

First recorded in 1550–60; separate ( def. ) + -ly ( def. )

Example Sentences

A probation office, which oversees offenders during and after incarceration, separately recommended five to seven years in prison, according to Combs' court filings.

From BBC

The source also confirmed that the pair had been “living separately for a while now.”

From Los Angeles Times

Gen. Rob Bonta to investigate separately, questioning the independence of the report.

From Los Angeles Times

Kidman and Urban separated earlier this year and have since been living separately, The Times confirmed Monday.

From Los Angeles Times

The sweetener for tourists is that for the €17.50 they get admission to two things they currently have to pay for separately anyway – entry to the museum and to the inside of the windmills.

From BBC

Related Words

• independently www.thesaurus.com
• personally 
• solely