separately

American

[sep-er-it-lee] / ˈsɛp ər ɪt li /

adverb

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.
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.
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.
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

Etymology

Origin of separately

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

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.

Verizon recently announced that the company will no longer report wireless and wireline revenues separately, nor separate business and consumer subscriber metrics, Moffett noted.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

McCormick separately posted first-quarter adjusted earnings that topped consensus estimates and logged better-than-expected quarterly sales.

From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026

He recalls one installation for a royal wedding in the Middle East, where performances by singers and dancers – filmed separately in nearby tents – were beamed into the central dome for guests to enjoy.

From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026

“If you just look at the incomes and rents separately, you don’t really get a picture of how people are doing it...they’re spending a lot of their incomes on rents, but they’re also doubling up.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 28, 2026

Between the copse and the brook, the slope was covered with pale lilac lady’s-smocks, each standing separately in the grass, a frail stalk of bloom above a spread of cressy leaves.

From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023