What is apart? Pronunciation and usage in English

apart means . Learn how to pronounce and use apart through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of apart

apartadverb

/əˈpɑːt/
Definition & pronunciation of apart

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "apart" in English. It's a tricky one for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /əˈpɑrt/ (uh-PART)

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. uh – This is a short, unstressed vowel sound. Think of the "uh" in "about." It’s a neutral sound.

  2. PART – This is pronounced exactly like the word "part." The “a” makes an “ah” sound.

  3. t – A simple "t" sound.

Key points and common mistakes:

  • Don't say "a-part" like a separate word. The stress is on the second syllable.
  • Avoid the "ar" sound. It shouldn't sound like "a-part" as in "apartments."
  • Don't add an extra "h" sound. It’s not there.

Resources to listen:

To help me give you even more specific guidance, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning?
  • What accent are you trying to emulate (e.g., American, British, Australian)?

Usage and examples with the word apart in English

Let's break down how to use the word "apart" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and uses. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. Separating/Dividing (Most Common)

  • Meaning: To separate into different parts; to divide.
  • Examples:
    • "She pulled the puzzle pieces apart." (Separated them)
    • "The demolition crew tore the building apart." (Destroyed it piece by piece)
    • “They argued apart in the hallway.” (They separated and argued individually)
    • “He tried to keep his thoughts apart from his feelings.” (He struggled to separate them)

2. Apart From (Meaning: Except for, besides)

  • Meaning: Used to indicate something that is different or excluded from a group or situation.
  • Examples:
    • "He's a great musician, apart from his shyness." (Except for his shyness)
    • "You should consider all the factors apart from the price." (Besides the price)
    • “I enjoyed the movie, apart from the ending.” (Except for the ending)

3. Apart (Meaning: Distinguishable, Separate in Character)

  • Meaning: Different; distinct; not similar. Often implies a noticeable difference.
  • Examples:
    • “They are apart in their opinions.” (They have very different opinions)
    • “The two sisters are apart as night and day.” (They're completely different)
    • “He felt apart from the rest of the group.” (He felt separate and different)

4. Apart From/Alongside (Meaning: Simultaneously) - Less Common, but important

  • Meaning: Often used to describe things happening at the same time, often in contrast.
  • Examples:
    • "She was studying apart from listening to music." (While studying and listening)
    • "He worked on the project apart from his usual tasks." (Alongside his usual work)

5. "Apart" as an Adverb (Less Frequent, More Stylistic)

  • Meaning: Occasionally, "apart" is used as an adverb, softening a statement. It can convey a sense of distance, difficulty, or fleetingness. It’s often more literary.
  • Examples:
    • "He stood apart, watching the crowd." (He stood set apart, observing)
    • “She felt apart from the celebrations.” (She felt distant from the celebrations)

Key Considerations & Tips:

  • Context is Crucial: The meaning of "apart" is highly dependent on the context of the sentence. Pay close attention to the surrounding words.
  • “Apart From” vs. “Besides”: “Apart from” is often slightly more formal than “besides.”
  • Don’t confuse with "Separate": "Separate" is a more general term for dividing things. "Apart" has more specific nuances.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of writing are you working on? (e.g., casual conversation, formal essay, creative writing)
  • Can you give me an example sentence where you're trying to use "apart"?

Synonyms for the word apart

Idioms of the word apart

be poles apart
to be widely separated; to have no interests that you share
  • Her own friends were poles apart from his.
  • In temperament, she and her sister are poles apart.
be worlds apart
to be completely different in attitudes, opinions, etc.
  • Although they are twins, they are worlds apart in their attitude to life.
joking apart
used to show that you are now being serious after you have said something funny
    rip somebody/something apart/to shreds/to bits, etc.
    to destroy something; to criticize somebody very strongly
    • countries ripped apart by fighting
    • The dog had ripped a cushion to shreds.

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