Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/ˈaɪsəˌleɪt/

Definitions

• To set or keep someone or something apart from others.
• To separate or detach something from a larger whole.
• To subject something or someone to a controlled, individual environment, often for research or safety.
• In biology, to separate a substance or organism from others for specific analysis.

Usage Examples

• "The scientist isolated the compound for further study."
• "To prevent the spread of disease, they isolated the infected patient."
• "The technician had to isolate the faulty part before repairing the machine."

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word "insolatus," meaning "made solitary," from "insolare," meaning "to make alone," combining "in-" meaning "not" and "solare," meaning "to make alone."

Synonyms

• Separate
• Detach
• Segregate
• Disengage
• Seclude

Antonyms

• Unite
• Combine
• Join
• Integrate
• Connect

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The word "isolate" may be pronounced with slight differences in stress patterns across various English dialects. For instance, in American English, the stress is typically on the first syllable (ˈaɪsəˌleɪt), while in British English, there may be a slightly more even distribution of stress between the syllables.

Historical Usage

The verb "isolate" emerged in the early 18th century, initially used in scientific contexts to describe the separation of substances or organisms. Over time, its usage broadened to include both physical and metaphorical separation, used in disciplines such as medicine, psychology, and social sciences.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, "isolation" can carry negative connotations, implying loneliness or exclusion. However, in scientific and technical contexts, isolation can be seen as a positive action, leading to discovery, safety, or control. For example, isolating a disease or a chemical compound can be essential for research and development.

More Information

The act of isolation is central to a wide variety of scientific practices. In laboratory settings, isolating substances, compounds, or organisms allows researchers to focus on specific characteristics or behaviors without external interference. Similarly, isolating patients with infectious diseases helps prevent the spread of illness. The concept of isolation has expanded from its original scientific meaning to a broader social and cultural idea, touching on areas such as mental health, human relationships, and global politics.