Different vs. Separate — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 9, 2024
Different indicates distinct qualities between items, focusing on variations, while separate implies physical or conceptual distance between items.
Difference Between Different and Separate
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Different relates to the uniqueness or disparity in characteristics between two or more items. On the other hand, separate refers to the act or state of placing things apart, either spatially or by distinction in category.
While "different" can apply to intangible attributes like opinions, "separate" often suggests a more tangible division, such as rooms in a building.
Different often pertains to comparison and contrast in qualities, whereas separate underscores the idea of detachment or isolation.
In usage, "different" modifies items that are inherently varied, such as "different colors," while "separate" is used when discussing entities that are positioned apart, like "separate sections."
Different may denote a range of diversity within a single category, while separate might imply distinct boundaries that prevent mixing or mingling.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Showing disparity or uniqueness between two or more entities
Placing or keeping entities apart from each other
Common Usage
Used to highlight variations in quality or type
Used to indicate physical or conceptual division
Example Context
Different opinions, different styles
Separate rooms, separate issues
Implied Relationship
Can be closely related but varied in attributes
Often implies no direct connection or interaction
Focus
Quality and characteristics
Position or condition of being apart
Compare with Definitions
Different
Distinct or separate.
We took different routes to the same destination.
Separate
To set or keep apart.
The teacher asked to separate the fighting students.
Different
Diverse in nature or quality.
They come from different backgrounds.
Separate
To disconnect or detach.
She decided to separate from the group.
Different
Various; several.
Different people told me the same story.
Separate
Existing or occurring independently.
They live in separate cities.
Different
Unique in a particular context.
She has a different perspective on the matter.
Separate
To sort into categories.
Separate the recyclables from the trash.
Different
Not the same as another or each other.
The twins have different personalities.
Separate
Distinct in identity or function.
Separate tools for separate tasks.
Different
Not the same as another or each other; unlike in nature, form, or quality
You can play this game in different ways
The car is different from anything else on the market
Separate
To set, force, or keep apart
The referee separated the two boxers.
Different
Distinct; separate
On two different occasions
Separate
To put space between; space apart or scatter
Small farms that were separated one from another by miles of open land.
Different
Unlike in form, quality, amount, or nature; dissimilar
Took different approaches to the problem.
Separate
To form a border or barrier between (two areas or groups)
A hedge separates the two yards.
Different
Distinct or separate
That's a different issue altogether.
Separate
To place in different groups; sort
Separate mail by postal zones.
Different
Various or assorted
Interviewed different members of the community.
Separate
To differentiate or discriminate between; distinguish
A researcher who separated the various ethnic components of the population sample.
Different
Differing from all others; unusual
A different point of view.
Separate
To cause to be distinct or different
His natural talent separates him from all the others in the choir.
Different
In a different way or manner; otherwise
"Carol ... didn't know different until Elinor told her" (Ben Brantley).
Separate
To remove from a mixture or combination; isolate.
Different
Not the same; exhibiting a difference.
Separate
To cause (one person) to stop living with another, or to cause (a couple) to stop living together, often by decree
She was separated from her husband last year. The couple have been separated for a year.
Different
Various, assorted, diverse.
Separate
To terminate a contractual relationship with (someone); discharge.
Different
Distinct, separate; used for emphasis after numbers and other determiners of quantity.
Several different scientists all reached this conclusion at about the same time.
Separate
To come apart; become detached
The lining has separated from the inside of the coat.
Different
Unlike most others; unusual.
Separate
To withdraw or break away
The state threatened to separate from the Union.
Different
(mathematics) The different ideal.
Separate
To part company; go away from each other; disperse
The friends separated at the end of the school year.
Different
Differently.
Separate
To stop living together as a couple
They separated after 10 years of marriage.
Different
Distinct; separate; not the same; other.
Separate
To become divided into components or parts
Oil and water tend to separate.
Different
Of various or contrary nature, form, or quality; partially or totally unlike; dissimilar; as, different kinds of food or drink; different states of health; different shapes; different degrees of excellence.
Men are as different from each other, as the regions in which they are born are different.
Separate
Not touching or adjoined; detached
The garage is separate from the house.
Different
Unlike in nature or quality or form or degree;
Took different approaches to the problem
Came to a different conclusion
Different parts of the country
On different sides of the issue
This meeting was different from the earlier one
Separate
Existing or considered as an independent entity
The reference collection is separate from the rest of the library.
Different
Distinctly separate from the first;
That's another (or different) issue altogether
Separate
Dissimilar from all others; distinct or individual
A cable made of many separate fibers.
Two people who hold separate views on the issue.
Different
Differing from all others; not ordinary;
Advertising that strives continually to be different
This new music is certainly different but I don't really like it
Separate
Often Separate Having undergone schism or estrangement from a parent body
Separate churches.
Different
Not like; marked by dissimilarity;
For twins they are very unlike
People are profoundly different
Separate
A garment, such as a skirt, jacket, or pair of slacks, that may be purchased separately and worn in various combinations with other garments.
Different
Distinct or separate;
Each interviewed different members of the community
Separate
A stereo component that is purchased separately and connected to other components as part of a system.
Separate
An offprint of an article.
Separate
Apart from (the rest); not connected to or attached to (anything else).
This chair can be disassembled into five separate pieces.
Separate
(followed by “from”) Not together (with); not united (to).
I try to keep my personal life separate from work.
Separate
(transitive) To divide (a thing) into separate parts.
Separate the articles from the headings.
Separate
(transitive) To disunite from a group or mass; to disconnect.
Separate
(transitive) To cause (things or people) to be separate.
If the kids get too noisy, separate them for a few minutes.
Separate
(intransitive) To divide itself into separate pieces or substances.
The sauce will separate if you don't keep stirring.
Separate
(obsolete) To set apart; to select from among others, as for a special use or service.
Separate
Anything that is sold by itself, especially articles of clothing such as blouses, skirts, jackets, and pants.
Separate
(bibliography) A printing of an article from a periodical as its own distinct publication and distributed independently, often with different page numbers.
Separate
To disunite; to divide; to disconnect; to sever; to part in any manner.
From the fine gold I separate the alloy.
Separate thyself, I pray thee, from me.
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?
Separate
To come between; to keep apart by occupying the space between; to lie between; as, the Mediterranean Sea separates Europe and Africa.
Separate
To set apart; to select from among others, as for a special use or service.
Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called thaem.
Separate
To part; to become disunited; to be disconnected; to withdraw from one another; as, the family separated.
Separate
Divided from another or others; disjoined; disconnected; separated; - said of things once connected.
Him that was separate from his brethren.
Separate
Unconnected; not united or associated; distinct; - said of things that have not been connected.
For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinnere.
Separate
Disunited from the body; disembodied; as, a separate spirit; the separate state of souls.
Separate
A separately printed article that originally appeared in a larger publication
Separate
A garment that can be purchased separately and worn in combinations with other garments
Separate
Act as a barrier between; stand between;
The mountain range divides the two countries
Separate
Force, take, or pull apart;
He separated the fighting children
Moses parted the Red Sea
Separate
Mark as different;
We distinguish several kinds of maple
Separate
Separate into parts or portions;
Divide the cake into three equal parts
The British carved up the Ottoman Empire after World War I
Separate
Come apart;
The two pieces that we had glued separated
Separate
Divide into components or constituents;
Separate the wheat from the chaff
Separate
Arrange or order by classes or categories;
How would you classify these pottery shards--are they prehistoric?
Separate
Become separated into pieces or fragments;
The figurine broke
The freshly baked loaf fell apart
Separate
Make a division or separation
Separate
Discontinue an association or relation; go different ways;
The business partners broke over a tax question
The couple separated after 25 years of marriage
My friend and I split up
Separate
Go one's own away; move apart;
The friends separated after the party
Separate
Divide into two or more branches so as to form a fork;
The road forks
Separate
Independent; not united or joint;
A problem consisting of two separate issues
They went their separate ways
Formed a separate church
Separate
Individual and distinct;
Pegged down each separate branch to the earth
A gift for every single child
Separate
Standing apart; not attached to or supported by anything;
A freestanding bell tower
A house with a separate garage
Separate
Not living together as man and wife;
Decided to live apart
Maintaining separate households
They are separated
Separate
Characteristic of or meant for a single person or thing;
An individual serving
Separate rooms
Single occupancy
A single bed
Separate
Have the connection undone; having become separate
Common Curiosities
How do different colors impact design?
Different colors can influence mood, perception, and visual appeal in design.
What does it mean when ideas are different?
It means they vary in nature, concept, or opinion.
How can opinions be both different and separate?
Opinions can vary in perspective (different) and exist independently without influencing each other (separate).
Is there a relationship between being different and being separate?
Being different often relates to qualities or characteristics, whereas being separate pertains to physical or conceptual distance; however, differences can sometimes lead to separation.
What does it mean for items to be placed in separate categories?
Placing items in separate categories helps in organizing and distinguishing them based on specific criteria or functions.
Why might one prefer to highlight differences rather than separations?
Highlighting differences can foster understanding and appreciation of diversity, whereas focusing on separations might emphasize division or isolation.
Can something be different and separate simultaneously?
Yes, an entity can be both different in characteristics and physically or conceptually separate from others.
Can two things be different but not separate?
Yes, two things can be different, such as having varying features or purposes, but still be part of the same group or location.
What impact does separating items have on functionality?
Separating items can enhance functionality by reducing confusion, increasing efficiency, or improving organization.
Can separate entities be similar?
Yes, separate entities can be similar but are physically or conceptually apart.
What is the purpose of keeping certain items separate?
Keeping items separate can organize space, prevent interference, or manage resources effectively.
When should I use "different" instead of "separate"?
Use "different" when emphasizing variations in type, style, or opinion, and "separate" when indicating that things are not connected or are physically apart.
How do cultural contexts influence the perception of things that are different or separate?
Cultural contexts shape how differences and separations are viewed, affecting attitudes towards diversity, coexistence, and individuality.
How do "different" and "separate" function grammatically in sentences?
"Different" typically functions as an adjective modifying nouns (different ideas), while "separate" can be an adjective, verb, or noun (separate/separate/separation).
In what situations is it crucial to acknowledge both differences and separations?
Acknowledging both is crucial in contexts like conflict resolution, educational settings, and multicultural interactions, where understanding distinctions and boundaries is key.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Sprat vs. Whitebait
Next Comparison
Pianino vs. PianoAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
