What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
disconnect
Example
I need to disconnect the power supply before I can fix the machine. [disconnect: verb]
Example
There seems to be a disconnect between what the company promises and what it delivers. [disconnect: noun]
Example
After the argument, she felt a disconnect from her friend and didn't want to talk to her anymore. [disconnect: noun]
separate
Example
We need to separate the recyclables from the trash. [separate: verb]
Example
The restaurant has separate areas for smoking and non-smoking customers. [separate: adjective]
Example
Due to the pandemic, we had to celebrate our anniversary separately this year. [separately: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Separate is more commonly used than disconnect in everyday language. Separate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while disconnect is less common and is often used in technical or technological contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between disconnect and separate?
Both disconnect and separate can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, disconnect may be perceived as more technical or specialized, while separate is more versatile and can be used in various formality levels.
