Separate off Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To divide or remove one part from the rest, often by creating a physical barrier or making it distinct.
Usage & Nuances
Used for physically or conceptually splitting parts from a whole. Common with objects, areas, or groups — e.g. 'separate off a room'. More formal than 'split up', less technical than 'isolate'. Often passive ('was separated off'). Rare in daily conversation but standard in written directions or technical instructions.
Example Sentences
They separated off the garden from the yard with a fence.
basic
Please separate off the blue blocks from the red ones.
basic
A wall was built to separate off the kitchen from the living room.
basic
One section of the hall was separated off for private events.
natural
The scientist separated off the pure sample from the mixture.
natural
You can separate off a quiet area in the office if you need to focus.
natural