(not) particularly; (not) especially
Used with a negative predicate to soften a denial or indicate that something is not especially the case. Often used alone as a casual 'not really' reply.
別に気にしていない。
I'm not particularly bothered.
「疲れた？」「別に。」
"Tired?" "Not really."
separately; apart; additionally
Indicates doing something separately or in addition to something else. Less common than the negative-polarity sense.
飲み物は別に注文します。
I'll order drinks separately.
この問題は別に考えよう。
Let's consider this problem separately.
It's not particularly difficult.
"You seem down, what's wrong?" "Nothing, really."
I keep my work time and personal time separate.
It's not that I particularly dislike it, but I don't eat it much.