oddzielny

Oddzielny is a Polish adjective meaning separate, distinct, or independent. It describes items, rooms, or concepts that are treated as separate rather than part of a larger unit, and can refer to physical separation as well as figurative distinctions.

Etymology: It derives from the verb oddzielić (to separate) with the adjectival suffix -ny. The prefix od- signals separation, and the result forms an attributive adjective whose meaning centers on being set apart from others.

Usage: It is used with nouns to denote a separate entity: oddzielny pokój (a separate room), oddzielny rachunek (a separate bill), oddzielny zestaw (a separate set). In contrast to synonyms like osobny or odrębny, oddzielny emphasizes the state or act of being kept apart. It can also describe non-tangible distinctions, such as oddzielny status podatkowy (a separate tax status) or oddzielna część (a distinct part). In more formal or technical contexts, the nuance may shift toward odrębny or osobny depending on emphasis.

Grammar: As an adjective, oddzielny agrees with the noun in gender, number, and case. Forms include oddzielny (masculine singular nominative), oddzielna (feminine singular nominative), oddzielne (neuter singular nominative). Plural: oddzielni (masculine personal nominative), oddzielne (feminine and neuter nominative). Genitive forms: oddzielnego, oddzielnej, oddzielnego; plural genitive: oddzielnych. Common near-synonyms are odrębny and osobny; antonyms include wspólny and łączny.

See also: odrębny, osobny, wspólny.