sect

The word “sect” means a group with beliefs, especially religious ones, that differ from those of a larger group it split from. In plain terms, a smaller group, usually religious, that has split off from a larger one over differing beliefs.

“Sect” is pronounced sehkt (/sɛkt/ in IPA).

Here is “sect” used in a sentence: “The sect had broken away from the main church decades earlier.”

“Sect” is a noun.

The word “sect” comes from Late Latin. From Old French "secte," from Late Latin "secta" ("a school of thought, faction"), possibly from Latin "sequi" ("to follow").

“Sect” is an uncommon word in modern English.

A sect is a group, especially religious, that holds beliefs differing from those of a larger group it split from, often through doctrinal disagreement. 'Cult' tends to carry stronger negative connotations, suggesting manipulative control or extreme devotion to a leader, though the two terms are sometimes used interchangeably in casual speech.

A denomination is generally an established, recognized branch of a religion, such as Baptists or Methodists within Christianity. A sect more specifically emphasizes the break from a larger parent group and can carry a more critical or marginal connotation than denomination.

No, while sect is most often applied to religious groups that have split off with distinct beliefs, it can also describe non-religious factions with dissenting views from a larger movement or ideology.