Severing: meaning, definitions and examples

Severing is often used when talking about ending connections or relationships abruptly. It's a strong word and can have a dramatic or intense connotation.

• The company is severing ties with its supplier.
• Severing the rope, he freed the boat.

Cutting is a general term that can be used in many contexts, such as physically dividing something with a sharp tool, reducing something in size or amount, or making a remark that is sharp and possibly hurtful.

• She is cutting the vegetables for dinner.
• The government is cutting public spending.
• His words were cutting and deeply offended her.

Dividing is used when separating something into parts or sections. It can be both literal, like dividing a cake, or metaphorical, like dividing opinions.

• The teacher is dividing the class into groups for the project.
• There is a thin line dividing right from wrong.

Splitting is used when breaking or dividing something into parts, often implying a forceful and sometimes sudden action. It can also refer to strong disagreement between people.

• They are splitting the logs for firewood.
• The debate is splitting the community into two opposing sides.