detached

Everyday

1. Separated or taken off from something. tree →
2. A detached house stands on its own, not joined to another house. tree →
3. Not feeling or showing much emotion; not involved. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life (UK), houses are described as detached, semi-detached (joined on one side) or terraced (in a row). In science, a detached retina is a serious eye problem. In stories, a detached character seems cold or far away. In maths and school, you detach the tear-off slip.

Examples

• They live in a big detached house. tree →
• Our house is semi-detached. tree →
• The trailer became detached from the car. tree →
• Detach the slip and return it to school. tree →
• He seemed detached and didn't join in. tree →
• A detached retina needs urgent treatment. tree →
• The Alpine roses grew near the snow, which lay in detached stripes, and looked like linen laid out to bleach. tree →

Note

In UK estate agent talk, detached is usually more expensive than semi-detached. Opposite: attached.