separate
verb (used with object)
to keep apart or divide, as by an intervening barrier or space.
was separating
-
past progressiveof separate.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Douglass was separating himself from the abolitionist circle that had launched his career and putting himself in a remarkable middle position.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 4, 2026
Sennott: It felt like I was separating myself from her.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 18, 2026
Discovery announced in June that it was separating into two publicly listed companies.
From Barron's ● Jan. 5, 2026
Ms Meloni announced last week that she was separating from her long-term partner after a recording was broadcast on a satirical TV show.
From BBC ● Oct. 25, 2023
I was separating screws from nails into jars on your workbench when they came up the path.
From "Unusual Chickens for the Exceptional Poultry Farmer" by Kelly Jones
