apart

Apart is an English word that functions as an adverb and, less commonly, as an adjective. It expresses distance or separation, such as when two objects are physically apart, or when people act as distinct or independent from a group. In phrases, apart can also convey distinction or difference. For example, “The two buildings stood apart” or “They worked apart from the main team.” The expression “apart from” is used to indicate exception or exclusion, as in “Apart from the rain, the trip was fine.”

Etymology: The term comes from a- meaning “to” or “toward” plus part, originally indicating being separated into a part or kept separate. The form evolved in Middle English into the single word apart with the current senses of separation and distinction.

Usage notes: As an adverb, apart modifies verbs or clauses to indicate separation in space or time: “The pieces fell apart” (break into pieces); “The houses stood a few meters apart” (using two measures of distance). The related phrasal verbs fall apart and come apart describe deterioration or fragmentation. “Keep apart” or “set apart” mean to maintain distance or reserve for a special use; “set apart” can also mean to distinguish as special.

Related terms and distinctions: The two-word form “a part” refers to a portion or piece, not to be confused with apart. In mathematics, apartness is a formal relation used in constructive analysis to express a positive distance between points. Usage varies by dialect; in American and British English, apart from expresses exception or addition depending on context.