isolate
0 antonyms and opposites of isolate, grouped by meaning.
Verb — To separate someone or something from others.
How to use isolate
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Formed from "isolated," which came through French isolé and Italian isolato, ultimately from Latin insula, "island" — the same root as "insulate."
Full origin of isolate →Frequently asked questions
What does “isolate” mean?
The word “isolate” means to separate someone or something from others. In plain terms, to set something or someone apart, cutting off contact with everything else.
How do you pronounce “isolate”?
“Isolate” is pronounced EYE-suh-layt (/ˈaɪ.sə.leɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “isolate” in a sentence?
Here is “isolate” used in a sentence: “The hospital isolated the patient to stop the infection spreading.”
What part of speech is “isolate”?
“Isolate” is a verb.
Where does the word “isolate” come from?
The word “isolate” comes from Latin. Formed from "isolated," which came through French isolé and Italian isolato, ultimately from Latin insula, "island" — the same root as "insulate.".
Is “isolate” a common word?
“Isolate” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “isolate” have?
“Isolate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to separate someone or something from others.
What is the difference between isolate and quarantine?
To isolate means broadly to separate someone or something from others, while quarantine specifically refers to isolating people or animals to prevent the spread of disease. Isolate is the more general term and applies well beyond health contexts.
What is the difference between isolating and insulating something?
Isolate means to separate something from others entirely, cutting off contact or connection. Insulate means to protect something from an external effect (like cold or noise) without necessarily removing all contact, so the two overlap but are not identical.
What does it mean to isolate a substance in a scientific context?
In science, to isolate a substance or organism means to separate it out from a mixture so it can be studied or used on its own. This sense is common in chemistry, biology, and medicine, such as isolating a compound or a strain of bacteria.
Is isolate always used as a verb?
In everyday dictionary use, isolate functions as a verb meaning to separate something from others. It describes an action taken on a person, object, or substance rather than describing a state.