The difference between Separate and Split up

When used as verbs, separate means to divide (a thing) into separate parts, whereas split up means cease to be together, break apart from the group.


Separate is also noun with the meaning: anything that is sold by itself, especially an article of clothing.

Separate is also adjective with the meaning: apart from (the rest).

check bellow for the other definitions of Separate and Split up

  1. Separate as an adjective:

    Apart from (the rest); not connected to or attached to (anything else).

    Examples:

    "This chair can be disassembled into five separate pieces."

  2. Separate as an adjective (followed by “from”):

    Not together (with); not united (to).

    Examples:

    "I try to keep my personal life separate from work."

  1. Separate as a verb (transitive):

    To divide (a thing) into separate parts.

    Examples:

    "'Separate the articles from the headings."

  2. Separate as a verb:

    To disunite something from one thing; To disconnect.

  3. Separate as a verb (transitive):

    To cause (things or people) to be separate.

    Examples:

    "If the kids get too noisy, separate them for a few minutes."

  4. Separate as a verb (intransitive):

    To divide itself into separate pieces or substances.

    Examples:

    "The sauce will separate if you don't keep stirring."

  5. Separate as a verb (obsolete):

    To set apart; to select from among others, as for a special use or service.

  1. Separate as a noun (usually, in the plural):

    Anything that is sold by itself, especially an article of clothing.

  1. Split up as a verb (intransitive, idiomatic, Of a group of people):

    Cease to be together, break apart from the group.

    Examples:

    "After she left to go travelling, my girlfriend and I split up."

    "The soldiers split up into smaller squadrons to search the building."

  2. Split up as a verb (transitive):

    separate, disassociate, cause to come apart.

    Examples:

    "The brothers never behaved in class when they were together, so we had to split them up for the exam."