What does isolating mean?
“Isolating” chiefly describes something that separates, distinguishes, or sets elements apart. In linguistics, it refers to a language or grammatical system in which words are generally composed of single morphemes and grammatical relationships depend heavily on word order rather than changes such as tense, number, or case. This contrasts with fusional languages, where several grammatical features are combined within one morpheme, and with inflectional languages, where morphemes express grammatical information in more elaborate patterns. The word can also describe a physical or protective function, as in an isolating layer that prevents sound or heat from passing through. In biology, it may refer to a process that separates populations, allowing them to develop independently. In general use, “isolating” is less frequent than “isolated” or “isolate,” but it is useful when emphasis falls on the act or function of separation.
Separating or serving to separate; set apart or causing separation.
"The engineers added an isolating barrier to reduce vibration."
This general use is less common than the specialized linguistic sense.
Of or relating to a language in which words are generally composed of single morphemes and grammatical relationships are expressed largely through word order.
"The linguist classified the language as isolating because it showed little inflection."
Usually appears in phrases such as “isolating language” and is chiefly used in linguistics.
In an isolating language, grammar often works like a careful row of beads: each word is distinct, and order carries much of the meaning.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does isolating come from?
The word comes from the Latin verb “īsōlāre,” meaning “to make isolated” or “to set apart,” which developed from “īsula,” an island or detached place. English borrowed the Latin-derived forms “isolate” and “isolation,” from which “isolating” was formed. The linguistic sense developed alongside comparative study of languages and their systems of word formation.
Related word forms
How isolating is actually used
In linguistics, “isolating” is primarily used to describe languages or morphemes whose grammatical units are composed of single morphemes. Outside specialized contexts, it is less common than “isolating” in the general sense of separating or setting apart.
Easily confused with isolating
“Isolating” describes a process or function that separates something, whereas “isolated” describes something already separated or set apart.
“Isolating” is an adjective describing separation, while an “isolator” is a noun for a device or person that isolates or protects something.