apart

1. 1
   with a gapadverb

   At some distance from each other in space or time.

   Like two chairs placed at opposite ends of a long table.

   The two trees grew far apart in the open field.

   Our birthdays are only two days apart.

   UsageGoes after an amount of time or distance: two days apart. Not the same as a part, which means a piece.

2. 2
   into piecesadverb

   Into two or more pieces, so something is split or broken.

   Like tearing a sheet of paper into separate halves.

   He pulled the warm bread apart to share it.

   The old toy finally fell apart in her hands.

   UsageUsed with verbs: take apart, fall apart, come apart.

   Similarasunder

   Note
3. 3
   leaving asidepostp

   Not counted as part of the matter, and left out.

   Like setting one item aside and not adding it to the count.

   Joking apart, we really do need to leave now.

   That one problem apart, the whole plan looks solid.

   UsageGoes after the word: joking apart. Before the word, say apart from: apart from that.

   Similaraside

4. 4
   standing outadjective

   So special that it stands out from all the rest.

   Like the one runner so fast that nobody else comes close.

   Even as a child, she was a class apart on the soccer field.

   This wine is a class apart.

   UsageGoes after the noun: a class apart.

5. 5
   separatelyadverb

   Away from each other or kept separate, not together.

   The couple have been living apart since the spring.

   After the argument, the old friends slowly drifted apart.

   UsageOften live apart, drift apart, or apart from someone.

   Similarseparately

   Oppositetogether

   Note
6. 6
   private (place)adjective

   Kept separate, set on the side.

   For her, the garden shed was a place apart, quiet and all her own.

   In the noisy house, his little attic room was a world apart.

   UsageGoes after the noun: a world apart.

   Similarseparate, secluded

   Note

Showing meanings only. Show all 8