isolate
To separate from others or identify as distinct
Examples
In a meeting
“We need to isolate the variable that's causing the system errors.”
Over coffee
“I'm trying to isolate which ingredient is giving me an allergic reaction.”
Why this word
separate
Isolate emphasizes complete detachment or quarantine, while separate just means putting apart without the connotation of total disconnection
remove
Isolate implies keeping something alone or apart from all others, while remove only means taking away without specifying the resulting state
cut off
Isolate is more precise in conveying intentional separation for protection or study, while cut off is informal and suggests abruptness
Usage tip
Can mean physical separation or identifying something specific among many factors
Etymology
Italian 'isolato' from Latin 'insula' (island)
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Related words
compartmentalize
Separate things into distinct sections or categories
pinpoint
To identify or locate something precisely
decouple
To separate two processes or timelines that were previously linked or dependent
discrete
Individually separate and distinct
broach
To bring up or introduce a topic for discussion
streamline
To make a process or system more efficient by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps.