Åtskilda

Åtskilda is a Swedish adjective meaning separated, distinct, or isolated. It is used to describe things that are set apart from one another or that do not interact.

Grammatical notes: åtskilda is the attributive form used with plural nouns. The base form is åtskild; the form åtskilda is common in everyday Swedish and appears in phrases such as åtskilda faktorer (separate factors) or åtskilda rum (separate rooms). The term derives from the verb åtskila, to separate.

Contexts and usage: In science and statistics, åtskilda variabler or åtskilda grupper describe elements that are deliberately kept apart or analyzed separately. In architecture or design, åtskilda utrymmen refers to distinct spaces. In sociology or demography, it can describe separated populations or communities, highlighting a lack of interaction or integration between groups.

Notes: Åtskilda is often contrasted with words like sammanfogade or gemensamma, which emphasize connection or integration. While common in written Swedish, the term tends to appear more in technical, analytical, or descriptive contexts than in casual speech.

Etymology and related forms: The concept is built from the verb åtskila (to separate) and the participial adjective åtskild/åtskilda. Related Swedish terms include åtskillnad (the act or result of separation), och åtskildhet (the state of being separate). In English translations, åtskilda corresponds to separated, distinct, or isolated depending on context.