What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
isolate
Example
The patient was isolated in a separate room to prevent the spread of the disease. [isolate: verb]
Example
Scientists were able to isolate the DNA from the sample for further analysis. [isolate: verb]
Example
After the breakup, she felt isolated and alone. [isolated: adjective]
segregate
Example
The school district was ordered to desegregate its schools by the court. [segregate: verb]
Example
The city was once segregated, with separate neighborhoods for different races. [segregated: adjective]
Example
The recycling center segregates different types of materials for processing. [segregates: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Isolate is more commonly used in scientific or medical contexts, while segregate is more commonly used in social or political contexts. Both words are less common in everyday language.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between isolate and segregate?
Both isolate and segregate are formal words, but isolate is more commonly used in scientific or technical writing, while segregate is more commonly used in legal or political contexts.
