# separated

/ˈsɛpɝˌeɪtɪd/ (US) · /sˈɛpəɹˌeɪtɪd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/separated
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 2. not connected

adjective · CEFR B1

existing in different places or not touching.

For teachers: existing as a distinct entity; not physically or logically connected to another part.

- The garage is a separated building at the back of the house.
- The research team maintained separated databases to ensure that the personal details of participants remained isolated from the clinical results.

### 3. living apart

adjective · CEFR B1

when a married couple lives in different houses but is not yet divorced.

For teachers: describing a married couple who have ceased to cohabit but have not legally dissolved their marriage.

- They have been separated for a year while they decide what to do next.
- Although the couple has been legally separated for several months, they continue to collaborate professionally on their shared business ventures.

## Examples

- The teacher separated the two students who were talking.
- After years of arguing, the couple decided to get separated before filing for a legal divorce.
- The centrifuge rotates at high speeds to ensure the plasma is completely separated from the red blood cells for medical analysis.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.