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Glite Dictionary
to separate off

to separate off

4.2
To divide a space with a wall or curtain to make a new area
  • phrasal verb
translation icon : separar
  • The architect designed walls to separate off different spaces within the open concept layout.

Examples

  • Then between this post here and this post is sort of a wall to separate that front sort of little coffee area, which will just be really a kids playroom.

  • We used a screen to separate off the dining area from the living room.

  • So we've accomplished one objective, which is to separate the problem of finding translation from the problem of finding rotation.

  • You have to actually separate yourself off from those people who may claim to be believers but aren't really believers.

  • They used curtains to separate off the classroom from the hallway during the activity.

Synonyms

to divide
vsto separate off
680 1.1

To split something into parts or groups

uses barriers rather than cutting or sorting to make distinct areas
to split
vsto separate off
513 1.3

To break something into two or more parts

creates physical divisions with barriers rather than breaking things
to separate
vsto separate off
297 1.9

To break into parts or pieces

uses physical barriers like walls or dividers to create distinct areas
to isolate
vsto separate off
256 4.2

To keep someone or something apart from others

aims to create physical barriers to divide spaces, not just remove contact
to split up
vsto separate off
47 2.6

To divide something into smaller parts

uses barriers to create distinct zones rather than just making pieces
to compartmentalize
vsto separate off
24 7.4

To separate parts of your life, work, or feelings so they stay apart

uses physical panels or walls to form areas rather than mental categories
to segment
vsto separate off
12 3.5

To divide something into separate parts

forms parts by placing barriers rather than only grouping or labelling
to fence off
vsto separate off
4 3.7

Surround an area with a fence to stop people from entering

uses barriers mainly to divide interior spaces rather than prevent entry
to set apart
vsto separate off
2 3.9

To keep something separate for a special use or to show it as different

creates actual divisions with barriers instead of only marking difference
to partition off
vsto separate off
1 3.9

To divide a space using a wall or screen

uses barriers such as walls or hanging dividers to form areas
to screen off
vsto separate off
1 4.1

Make part of a room private using a curtain or divider

uses solid or flexible barriers rather than just temporary folding pieces
to curtain off
vsto separate off
4.3

To make part of a room private by closing a curtain

uses barriers such as walls or fixed panels rather than just hanging cloth
to rail off
vsto separate off
7.0

To separate people or part of a place by putting up a barrier

focuses on creating internal sections rather than simple crowd control

Antonyms

to unite
∞ 2.1

To join people or things into one group for a shared purpose

to combine
638 2.7

To mix two or more things into one

How Separated

to seal off
47 3.9
to separate off
4.2
to pull apart
21 3.2
to section
4 3.3

Surface Forms

separate off infinitive
separated off past
separated off past participle
separating off present participle
separates off third person singular

Morphology

separate + off

The sense 'to divide or partition' is directly derivable from 'separate' (to split into parts) combined with the particle 'off' (away/from), yielding a compositional meaning of moving or setting something apart. This verb+particle pattern is common and cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Separate off comes from the simple image of putting up a small wall, screen, or curtain to move one area away from another. Here separate means to make two parts and off shows moving one part to the side, so the phrase means 'to divide or keep apart'.