What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
separated
Example
The two friends were separated when they went to different colleges. [separated: verb]
Example
The separated couple decided to get a divorce. [separated: adjective]
Example
The town was separated from the city by a large river. [separated: verb]
isolated
Example
The small village was isolated from the rest of the world. [isolated: adjective]
Example
The hiker felt isolated in the wilderness with no one around. [isolated: adjective]
Example
The new student felt isolated and left out on their first day of school. [isolated: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Separated is more commonly used than isolated in everyday language, especially in contexts related to relationships and physical distance. Isolated is less common and more formal, often used in academic or technical writing.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between separated and isolated?
Isolated is more formal than separated and is often used in academic or technical writing. However, both words can be used in formal or informal contexts depending on the situation.