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to set apart

to set apart

2 3.9
To keep something separate for a special use or to show it as different
  • phrasal verb
  • /sɛt əˈpɑrt/
translation icon : distinguir
  • He was set apart from his peers due to his outstanding performance in sports.
  • set apart from the rest

It is set apart from other things.

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Examples

  • The second great economic fact is that the lands known as Indian reservations, now set apart by the government for Indian occupancy, aggregate nearly 190,000 square miles.

    Academic text (1998)
  • That is what really sets apart a premium case from a Me Too case.

  • It is set apart from other things.

  • One cage, set apart from the rest, was wrapped in a fine web of green wire.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • According to Numbers 3, the Levites were set apart for service to God and assisted the priests in their duties.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • Thus, the Canal Zone became a racially and socially segregated enclave, set apart from Panama.

    Academic text (1992)
  • The school set apart a special room for art classes to inspire creativity.

  • The charity event aims to set apart underprivileged children for mentorship.

Synonyms

to assign
vsto set apart
487 2.7

Give someone a specific task, duty, or position of responsibility

involves selection for duty but does not itself stress distinguishing from others
to isolate
vsto set apart
256 4.2

To keep someone or something apart from others

implies selection for a role or duty rather than simple loneliness
to separate from
vsto set apart
219 2.7

To keep one thing apart from another so they do not mix

adds the idea of choosing for a special purpose or duty
to single out
vsto set apart
103 4.4

To choose one person from a group for special attention

focuses on selection for a special purpose rather than mere attention alone
to differentiate
vsto set apart
71 4.4

To show or notice how things are different

involves choosing for a purpose rather than only showing difference
to distinguish
vsto set apart
62 3.4

To make someone or something stand out because of a special quality

is more about assigning a role or duty than praising a quality
to sequester
vsto set apart
29 8.1

To keep someone or something apart from others to avoid outside contact

carries the same idea but highlights choosing for a role or duty
to segregate
vsto set apart
22 6.8

To separate things or parts for a special purpose

covers removal for duties but is more about distinguishing individuals by role
to detach
vsto set apart
12 4.3

To separate a part from a larger group for a special task

means distinguishing for duty but focuses on people or roles rather than parts
to severalise
vsto set apart
  • UK
9.9

To separate things or people from each other

means distinguishing for a duty or role rather than only marking difference
to sequestrate
vsto set apart
  • UK
9.9

To separate someone or something from others by official action

is similar but not necessarily done by legal or formal means
to separate off
vsto set apart
4.2

To divide a space with a wall or curtain to make a new area

is more about choosing or distinguishing for a purpose than building barriers
to secern
vsto set apart
  • Archaic
9.9

To tell similar things apart by noticing small differences

uses recognition to select for a task rather than only to notice difference
to secernate
vsto set apart
  • Archaic
9.9

To show that two people or things are not the same

applies distinction toward assigning a special duty or role instead of only marking

Antonyms

2.1

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

638 2.7

To mix two or more things into one

How Distinct

to isolate
256 4.2
separate
829 2.1
to set apart
2 3.9
to distinguish
177 3.1
to single out
103 4.4

Surface Forms

set apart infinitive
set apart past
set apart past participle
setting apart present participle
sets apart third person singular

Morphology

set + apart

The meaning 'to separate or distinguish ... for a special purpose' is directly derivable from combining 'set' (to put or place) with 'apart' (away/separately): literally to put something apart = to separate or set aside. This verb + particle composition is common and cross-linguistically transparent, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would likely infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

The expression set apart comes from the simple image of putting something to one side, where you set it apart from the others, like placing a special cup on its own shelf. So the phrase means 'to separate or show that someone or something is special'.