Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Split: meaning, definitions and examples

✂️
Add to dictionary

split

 

[ splɪt ]

Verb / Noun
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Verb

string separation

To divide or separate something into smaller parts or pieces, especially along a particular line or path.

Synonyms

break, cut, divide, separate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
split

Used when something is being divided into smaller parts, typically along a line or gap. Commonly used for physical objects and abstract concepts like opinions or decisions.

  • The teacher asked the students to split into groups.
  • The company decided to split the profits equally among its employees.
separate

Implies a more general act of moving or keeping things apart. It could refer to emotional, physical, or situational contexts.

  • The two friends decided to separate after a long argument.
  • Please separate the recyclable materials from the trash.
divide

Used when something is being separated into parts or groups, often involving more formal or precise separation, including in mathematics and social contexts.

  • The map divides the country into several regions.
  • Please divide the cake into equal portions.
break

Usually refers to causing something to come apart in an unintentional or accidental way. It implies damage or destruction.

  • She accidentally broke the vase.
  • The strap on my bag broke.
cut

Refers to using a sharp tool to separate something into parts. Often used for objects like paper, vegetables, or materials.

  • He cut the cake into eight pieces.
  • She cut her hair short.

Examples of usage

  • She split the wood with a sharp axe.
  • The teacher split the students into groups for the project.
Context #2 | Noun

division

A division or separation, especially along a particular line or path.

Synonyms

break, division, gap, separation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
split

Used when something is divided into parts, often evenly, or when there is a difference in opinions within a group.

  • We decided to split the bill equally among us
  • There was a split in the team about the best strategy to use
division

Utilized when referring to the separation of something into distinct parts or groups, often used in more formal or organized contexts.

  • The division of tasks made the project more manageable
  • The company announced a new division for research and development
separation

Used when things or people are moving apart, often implying a significant difference or distance. Can also refer to the end of a relationship.

  • The separation of the continents happened millions of years ago
  • After years of being together, they decided on a separation
break

Appropriate for situations where something is fractured or damaged. Can also refer to taking a rest.

  • I accidentally broke the vase
  • Let's take a break before we continue working
gap

Refers to a space or interval between two objects or in a sequence, often suggesting something is missing.

  • There was a small gap between the two boards on the fence
  • We need to fill the gap in our knowledge about this topic

Examples of usage

  • There was a split in the road.
  • The split between the two parties grew wider.

Translations

Translations of the word "split" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dividir

🇮🇳 विभाजित करना (vibhājit karanā)

🇩🇪 teilen

🇮🇩 membagi

🇺🇦 розділити

🇵🇱 dzielić

🇯🇵 分ける (wakeru)

🇫🇷 diviser

🇪🇸 dividir

🇹🇷 bölmek

🇰🇷 나누다 (nanuda)

🇸🇦 تقسيم (taqsim)

🇨🇿 dělit

🇸🇰 deliť

🇨🇳 分开 (fēnkāi)

🇸🇮 deliti

🇮🇸 skipta

🇰🇿 бөлу (bölu)

🇬🇪 გაყოფა (gaqopa)

🇦🇿 bölmək

🇲🇽 dividir

Etymology

The word 'split' originated from the Old English word 'splittan', which means 'to split'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to describe the act of dividing or separating something into smaller parts. The word has evolved over time to encompass various meanings, including both the verb and noun forms. 'Split' continues to be a commonly used word in modern English, reflecting its enduring relevance in describing division and separation.

See also: splitable, splitter, splitting.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,415, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.