separately

[ sep-er-it-lee ]

adverb

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. not in a way that is shared; individually:

   They should each be paid separately for the work they have done.

Other Words From

• un·sep·a·rate·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of separately¹

First recorded in 1550–60; separate ( def ) + -ly ( def )

Example Sentences

"Landfills and wastewater treatment plants are usually studied separately, but in reality, those are combined systems," Prada said.

From Science Daily

“After much prayer and consideration, we have decided to go into our futures separately but forever connected,” they said on their Instagram accounts.

From Los Angeles Times

But separately, that August, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office charged him and two of his executives with tax and workers’ compensation insurance fraud.

From New York Times

To observe these circuits in action, researchers used advanced viral tools to map and manipulate the connections separately and evaluate the effects.

From Science Daily

He said he believed some restructuring is needed and there are too many “silos” operating separately.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• independently
• personally
• solely