Schism Meaning
/ˈskɪzəm/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA split or separation within a group or organization, typically caused by discord.
nounA formal division or split within a religious body.
Sentence Examples
Helen's forum experienced an irreconcilable schism over whether to use one or two oven mitts.
The community underwent a schism.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
A serious ____ divided the religious community when leaders argued over important rituals.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The theological ____ divided the church into two opposing factions for centuries.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English scisme, from Old French cisme or scisme, from Ancient Greek σχίσμα (skhísma, “division”), from σχίζω (skhízō, “I split”). Doublet of schisma. Compare chasm. This word was historically pronounced /ˈsɪzəm/ (and still is among the clergy); the pronunciations /ˈʃɪzəm/, /ˈskɪzəm/ are due to the spelling (the latter may have been reinforced by learned influence); compare schedule.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Despite personal schisms and differences in spiritual experience, there is a very coherent theology of Snape shared between the wives. To examine this manifestation of religious fandom, I will first discuss the canon scepticism and anti-Rowling sentiment that helps to contextualise the wider belief in Snape as a character who extends beyond book and film."
— 2014 March 3, Zoe Alderton, “‘Snapewives’ and ‘Snapeism’: A Fiction-Based Religion within the Harry Potter Fandom”, in Religions, volume 5, number 1, MDPI, →DOI, archived from the original on 20 Dec 2014, pages 219–257:
"But Harry, in his civilian suit, was also a reminder of the schism between the traditional and the modern in the royal family that can’t be drowned out by pageantry."
— 2023 May 6, James Poniewozik, “Charles III Was Crowned King. But Can He Ever Be the Star?”, in The New York Times:
"“This is going to schism Maga terribly online,” Kirk said. “You're going to see—I don't want to say a Maga civil war, but it's going to be a Maga online food fight that is going to be very hard to navigate.”"
— 2025 June 14, Guy Chazan, quoting Charlie Kirk, “Trump’s anti-war pledge tested amid Maga base fear of fresh conflict”, in FT Weekend, London: The Financial Times Ltd., →ISSN, →OCLC, page 4:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
A serious ____ divided the religious community when leaders argued over important rituals.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The theological ____ divided the church into two opposing factions for centuries.