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apart

adv. · adj.
US //əˈpɑɹt// UK //ɐpˈɑːt// apart
  1. 1 separated by space or time (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    separated by a distance or a length of time.

    separated by a specific distance in space or an interval in time.

    Example

    The two houses were built about fifty metres apart on the hill.

    Example

    The two incidents occurred only a few days apart, leading investigators to believe they were orchestrated by the same group.
  2. 2 into pieces (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    into smaller parts or pieces.

    into separate pieces or components; often used with verbs of destruction or disassembly.

    Example

    The old book fell apart as soon as I tried to open it.

    Example

    The engineer carefully took the engine apart to identify which specific component had caused the mechanical failure.
    • asunder
    • to pieces
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  1. 3 not together (adv.)
    B1 Intermediate

    living or being in different places rather than together.

    existing or acting independently; not in each other's company.

    Example

    They decided to live apart for a while to think about their future.

    Example

    Although they worked for the same firm, they managed their projects entirely apart to avoid any conflict of interest.
  2. 4 excluding something (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    not including a specific person or thing.

    with the exception of; used postpositively to exclude a factor from consideration.

    Example

    Joking apart, we really need to finish this work by tonight.

    Example

    Cost considerations apart, the environmental impact of the new factory remains the primary concern for the local council.
  3. 5 distinct or special (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    different from others or set away from the main group.

    distinct, separate, or unique in quality; often used to describe something that stands out from a category.

    Example

    Her talent for music set her apart from the other students.

    Example

    The quality of the brushwork in this particular landscape stands apart from the artist's earlier, more commercial efforts.

    Usage

    Often follows the noun it modifies or appears after the verb 'set'.
Origin

From Middle English apart, aparte, a-part, a part, from Anglo-Norman a part, from Latin ad partem (“to the side”).

Idioms8 entries

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