VocabDictionary

isolate

/ˈaɪ.sə.leɪt/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.verb

To cause a person or place to remain apart or alone, detached from others.

Example Sentences:
  • Patients with contagious diseases are routinely isolated to prevent the spread of infection.
  • Working from home can sometimes cause you to feel isolated from your colleagues.
2.noun

A person, organism, or substance that has been separated or isolated from others.

Example Sentences:
  • Scientists identified a new bacterial isolate from the soil sample.
  • The genetic isolate showed unique traits not found in the broader population.
Share & Learn With Friends

Share “isolate” with study groups, classmates, or on your social channels.

English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “isolate”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Italian word 'isolato', meaning 'isolated', which comes from the Latin 'insulatus' meaning 'made into an island' (from 'insula', meaning island). The English verb was formed in the late 18th century by back-formation from 'isolated'.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of an 'island' (insula) to remember 'isolate'—when you are on an island by yourself, you are cut off from everyone else.

Frequently Asked Questions About “isolate

1. What is the meaning of “isolate” in English?

In English, isolate (verb) is defined as: “To cause a person or place to remain apart or alone, detached from others.”.

2. How do you use “isolate” in a sentence?

Patients with contagious diseases are routinely isolated to prevent the spread of infection.

3. What are English synonyms of “isolate”?

Common synonyms include:separate,segregate,detach,seclude,quarantine

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “isolate”?

Derived from the Italian word 'isolato', meaning 'isolated', which comes from the Latin 'insulatus' meaning 'made into an island' (from 'insula', meaning island). The English verb was formed in the late 18th century by back-formation from 'isolated'.