Split
/splɪt/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo divide into two or more parts; to separate.
/splɪt/
To divide or separate into parts.
I'll split the bill with you.
💡 Simply: Like when you share a cookie and break it into smaller pieces, or when a group of friends decide to go different ways. It's about dividing something.
👶 For kids: To break something into pieces, like when you crack an egg or share a toy.
More Examples
The wood split easily with the ax.
The argument split the family apart.
We split the class into smaller groups for the activity.
How It's Used
"She split the pizza with her friends."
"The company decided to split the profits evenly."
"The program split the file into smaller chunks."
The act of splitting; a separation or division.
/splɪt/
A division or separation.
The couple announced their split.
💡 Simply: It's like a break-up, when two things that were together go in different directions. Could be people, teams, or even a piece of wood that splits.
👶 For kids: When something that was together, like a team or a family, goes apart.
More Examples
There was a split in the rock during the earthquake.
The gymnast showed incredible flexibility in the splits.
How It's Used
"They announced a split after years of marriage."
"The basketball player made a split to avoid the defender."
"There was a split in the board of directors."
Divided or separated into parts.
/splɪt/
Having been divided or separated.
The split decision from the jury was a surprise.
💡 Simply: Describing something that is divided or separated.
👶 For kids: When something is cut or broken in half.
More Examples
The split screen allowed the user to view multiple applications at once.
How It's Used
"The attorney sought a split verdict."
"A split screen display allows for multitasking."
Synonyms
Break
Divide
Separate
Division
Rupture
Schism
Separation
Divided
Fractured
Separated
Idioms & expressions
split hairs
To argue or debate about small, unimportant details.
"Let's not split hairs about the exact wording; the meaning is clear."
From Middle Dutch or Middle Low German *splitten* (to split), related to Old English *splettan* (to split) and Proto-Germanic *spleitaną* (to split).
The word 'split' has been used since the late Old English period, initially to mean 'to cleave or divide'.
Memory tip
Imagine a piece of wood being SPLIT with an axe.