séparer

Séparer is a French verb meaning to make two or more things distinct, to divide, or to detach. It can be used transitively with a direct object (to separate X from Y) or in its pronominal form, se séparer, to indicate that people part ways or a relationship ends. In everyday use, it also covers sorting or distinguishing elements, as in separating items or materials.

Etymology: The verb comes from Latin separare, formed from se- “apart” and parare “to prepare” or “to make ready.” The core sense is to cause things to be set apart or divided.

Conjugation: Séparer is a regular -er verb. In the present tense: je sépare, tu sépares, il/elle sépare, nous séparons, vous séparez, ils/elles séparent. The past participle is séparé, used with avoir in the passé composé (j’ai séparé). The reflexive form se séparer expresses parting: nous nous séparons, vous vous séparez, ils se séparent. Imperative: sépare, séparons, séparez.

Usage notes: Séparer governs two elements with de, as in séparer X de Y. It can describe physical separation, separating components, or more abstract distinctions (séparer le bon grain de l’ivraie). In technical or mechanical contexts, un séparateur is a device that performs separation; la séparation is the noun form for the process or result of separating. Common synonyms include diviser, dissocier, et distinguer.