1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To make someone or something clearly different or special compared to others.
"Her extraordinary attention to detail is what truly sets her apart from the other candidates."
separable
set apart
B2 neutral separable transitive
To make someone or something noticeably different or distinct from others.
In plain English
To make something or someone special or different from everything else.
What does "set apart" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 formal
To designate or reserve a place or thing for a specific purpose.
"A small room in the monastery was set apart for prayer and quiet reflection."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To place something at a physical distance from others — the idiomatic sense extends this to abstract distinction.
Actually means
To make something or someone special or different from everything else.
Usage tip
Often used in the passive ('what sets her apart is...'). Implies a positive distinction in most contexts, though it can also simply mean to designate something for a special purpose.
Words that pair with "set apart"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
talent quality feature design dedication vision
How to conjugate "set apart"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
set apart
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sets apart
he/she/it
Past simple
set apart
yesterday
Past participle
set apart
have + pp
-ing form
setting apart
continuous
Hear "set apart" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "set apart" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "set apart"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.