WordGarden.ioseparable
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈɛpərəbəl/
US
- /sˈɛpərəbəl/
Meanings
Adjective
able to be separated, detached, or treated independently
in grammar, able to be split by other words within a construction
of a topological space, having a countable dense subset
More meaningsFewer meanings
of an equation or function, able to be decomposed into independent variables or factors
of an algebraic field extension, having distinct roots in its minimal polynomials
Beyond the definition
Something that's separable can be split into parts or taken away from something else. Think of LEGO bricks: they're separable because you can pull them apart and build something new. The idea is not just about physical things, though. In grammar, some verb phrases are separable, which means one part can move in the sentence, as in "turn on" and "turn it on."
The main idea is that the parts are not fixed together forever. If something is inseparable, then the parts cannot be clearly split or removed. In law, a separable part of a contract can be taken out without ruining the whole agreement. The word is about things that can stand apart instead of staying joined as one.
The word "separable" describes something that can be divided into parts or detached from something else. It suggests that the connection is not permanent, so the parts can come apart or be treated on their own. For example, a separable zipper can fully come apart into two sides, and a separable hose can be disconnected from a water source.
The word is also used in less physical ways. In grammar, a "separable verb" or verb phrase is one whose parts can be split in a sentence, as in "turn on" and "turn the light on." In law and contracts, a separable clause is one that can be removed without making the whole agreement fail.
You can also use the idea more generally for things that can be looked at one by one instead of as one fixed whole. An argument may have separable points that can be discussed one at a time. A system made of separate parts may be easier to repair because each part can be removed or replaced.
Think of something made from modular pieces, where each piece can be taken off and used on its own. That sense of being able to split, remove, or deal with parts separately is at the heart of the word.
Examples
- 1
Removable parts
The cover is separable from the cushion, so you can wash it easily.
- 2
Personal memory
For her, music was never separable from memory.
- Patternnot separable from + thing
too closely connected to be considered alone
- 3
Legal issue
The judge said the money issue was separable from the rest of the case.
- 4
Phrasal verbs
In this phrasal verb, the object can go in the middle, so the verb is separable.
- Grammar
a separable verb can split, as in "turn the light off"
See also
Similar
- divisible
- severable
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- separable parts
- separable from
- separable verb
Word family
- separably
- separability
Explore
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- separableadjective