set apart
B2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words
To make something or someone special or different from everything else.
Literal meaning: To place something at a physical distance from others — the idiomatic sense extends this to abstract distinction.
Meanings
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."
Grammar: separable
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."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
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.
Commonly used with
talent quality feature design dedication vision
Forms
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
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Synonyms
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