isolate

isolate — verb

1. to take a particular substance, chemical, cell, or factor out from a mixture or

1.動詞及物B2
釋義

to take a particular substance, chemical, cell, or factor out from a mixture or larger system so that it can be studied or used separately

例句

Dario's team was able to isolate the chemical compound from the plant leaves.

isolate + noun phrase + from + noun phrase for scientific extraction

The technician carefully isolated the DNA sample from the patient's blood.

同義詞
  • extract

    focuses on pulling something out, often with physical effort or a process

  • separate out

    more general; does not imply scientific or careful study

  • purify

    removes all unwanted matter to obtain a pure form

反義詞
  • combine

    to join substances together

  • mix

    to blend multiple things together

文法句型

isolate + noun phrase + from + noun phrase

用法筆記

Frequently used in passive voice, especially in formal scientific writing: 'The compound was isolated.' Almost always followed by 'from' to specify the original mixture or system.

常見錯誤

❌The teacher isolated the students into groups.
✅The teacher separated the students into groups.
💡Isolate means to remove from a larger group, not to divide into smaller categories.
❌They isolated the chemical from chemical.
✅They isolated the chemical from the mixture.
💡Always specify what the substance is taken out of.

2. to place an individual (person or animal) that may be sick somewhere apart from

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to place an individual (person or animal) that may be sick somewhere apart from healthy ones, especially to stop illness from spreading

例句

The hospital staff isolated the patient to stop the infection from reaching others.

purpose clause: 'to stop the infection from reaching others'

When the dog showed signs of illness, the vet isolated it from the other animals.

同義詞
  • quarantine

    more specific — officially enforced separation for a fixed period

  • separate

    less specific; does not imply a health-related reason

  • sequester

    more formal, often legal or official

反義詞

文法句型

isolate + noun phrase

isolate + noun phrase + from + noun phrase

用法筆記

The object is normally a living being — person or animal — not an object. Frequently passive: 'passengers were isolated.' The reason (disease, infection, symptoms) is often stated nearby but not grammatically required.

常見錯誤

❌The doctor isolated the medicine from other drugs.
✅The doctor isolated the patient from other patients.
💡You isolate people or animals from others; for objects, use 'separate' or 'keep apart.'

3. to cause a person, group, country, or organisation to have little or no contact

3.動詞及物B2
釋義

to cause a person, group, country, or organisation to have little or no contact with others, often due to disagreements, policies, or geography

例句

International sanctions have isolated the country from most of its global trading partners.

passive: 'be isolated from' for political/economic isolation

Bullies may try to isolate a classmate by spreading false rumours about them.

同義詞
  • cut off

    more informal; suggests an abrupt or complete break in contact

  • seclude

    implies voluntary withdrawal rather than being forced apart

  • alienate

    focuses on the emotional sense of being left out

反義詞
  • include

    to make someone part of a group

  • integrate

    to bring together into a unified whole

文法句型

isolate + noun phrase

isolate + noun phrase + from + noun phrase

用法筆記

Distinguish from sense 2 (QUARANTINE): this sense does not involve physical separation for health reasons. The separation is social, political, or organisational. Often used in passive voice: 'the group was isolated.'

常見錯誤

❌The new law isolized the minority group.
✅The new law isolated the minority group.
💡'Isolized' is not a correct word; the past tense is 'isolated.'

4. to exercise or stretch a single muscle, joint, or closely related group of muscl

4.動詞及物C1
釋義

to exercise or stretch a single muscle, joint, or closely related group of muscles on its own, without involving other parts of the body

例句

This gym machine helps you isolate your shoulder muscles without straining your back.

collocation: 'isolate + body part (muscle/joint)' in fitness context

The trainer showed Yael how to isolate her biceps during each repetition of the curl.

同義詞
  • work in isolation

    phrase used in fitness: 'work the muscle in isolation'

  • target

    less precise: 'target your biceps' can mean several exercises

文法句型

isolate + noun phrase

用法筆記

Domain-specific to fitness training, physiotherapy, and sports science. The object is always a body part — a named muscle, joint, or muscle group. This sense is rare in general conversation.

isolate — noun