insulated
UK[ˈɪnsjʊleɪtɪd]US[ˈɪnsəleɪtɪd]
adj
covered or surrounded by a material that prevents the passage of heat, electricity, or sound.
adj
protected from outside influences or unpleasant experiences; isolated.
Morpheme Breakdown
insula
ate
ed
insula
island
ate
verb suffix
ed
adjective suffix
Etymology
the word 'insulated' originates from the latin 'insula', meaning 'island'. the core concept is one of separation and isolation, much like an island is separated from the mainland. the verb-forming suffix '-ate' was added to create 'insulate', meaning to make something into an island-like state by separating it from its surroundings. the past participle '-ed' then forms the adjective, describing something that has been placed in such a state of protective separation, whether from physical elements like heat or from abstract influences.
Analysis
Structure: insula (island) + ate (verb suffix) + ed (adjective suffix)
insula (latin origin, meaning 'island'); ate (latin-derived verb-forming suffix); ed (english past participle/adjective-forming suffix).
Examples
the house has insulated walls to keep it warm in winter.
the wires must be properly insulated to prevent electrical shocks.
growing up in a wealthy family, he was insulated from the hardships of life.