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segregate

SEG-ruh-geyt /ˈsɛɡrɪɡeɪt/

verbB2GRESATTOEFLIELTS

formaltechnicalacademic

To separate or set apart from others or from the general mass; isolate.

Implies a systematic, deliberate separation based on specific characteristics (e.g., separating plastics from paper), whereas 'separate' is more general and can be accidental or simple.

The story behind the word. The word 'segregate' paints a vivid agricultural picture. It comes from the Latin prefix 'se-' (meaning 'apart') and 'grex' (meaning 'flock' or 'herd'). Literally, it means to pull an animal out of the herd. Today, we use it to describe pulling plastic bottles out of the general trash pile.

Word relationships

separate: Separate is a general term for dividing things, while segregate implies a structured, rule-based division into distinct categories.
isolate: Isolate means to place something completely alone, whereas segregate means to group similar things together away from other groups.

integrate: Integrate means to combine diverse elements into a unified whole, whereas segregate means to keep them strictly apart.
mix: Mix implies blending different elements together randomly, while segregate is the deliberate act of sorting them.

Commonly confused with

aggregate: Aggregate means to collect or gather many separate pieces into a single mass, whereas segregate means to separate a mass into distinct parts.

Word family

segregation (noun): The action or state of setting someone or something apart from others.
segregative (adjective): Tending to segregate or cause separation.

Collocations

segregate waste
segregate materials
carefully segregate
segregate at source

Example sentences

"To improve recycling efficiency, residents are asked to segregate plastic, paper, and glass." Instructions for household recycling.
"The facility uses advanced optical sensors to segregate different grades of polymers." A scientific study on waste sorting.

Memory hook

Think of 'segregate' as separating a 'gregarious' (sociable) flock into separate pens. Segregate: Separate from the aggregate.

When not to use

Be mindful of historical and social contexts; 'segregate' has strong, sensitive connotations when used in reference to racial or social groups. In waste management, it is strictly technical.

Fun facts

The root 'grex' (flock) also gives us 'gregarious' (fond of company, like a flock) and 'egregious' (originally standing out from the flock in a good way, now meaning outstandingly bad).