separate out
B2 neutral separable both
In simple words
To take different things apart from each other, or to pick out one particular thing from a group.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
To divide a substance or mixture into its different parts or components.
"The centrifuge is used to separate out the blood cells from the plasma."
Grammar: separable
2 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To identify and treat distinct issues or factors individually, rather than as a whole.
"We need to separate out the financial problems from the management problems before we can address either."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Used in both scientific contexts (separating chemicals) and general contexts (distinguishing ideas or issues). The particle 'out' adds the sense of clearly identifying distinct parts.
Commonly used with
components issues variables mixture colours factors
Forms
Base
separate out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
separates out
he/she/it
Past simple
separated out
yesterday
Past participle
separated out
have + pp
-ing form
separating out
continuous
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Synonyms
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