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.
-
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
- 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.
Some investment firms are separately investing hundreds of millions of dollars to buy up companies in industries such as accounting and customer service so they can automate them with AI.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026
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
Constellation separately guided for 2026 adjusted earnings of $11 to $12 a share, below analysts’ calls for $11.73 at the midpoint of the range.
From Barron's • Mar. 31, 2026
When recycled separately, food waste can be used to produce electricity.
From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026
The FBI arrested the saboteurs separately, so they wouldn't know anyone else had been caught.
From Nazi Saboteurs by Samantha Seiple
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.