noun
schism
Schism (noun) means a break into separate parts within a group, usually because members disagree.
noun
1
A break into separate parts within a group, usually because members disagree.
"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."
— James Poniewozik, Charles III Was Crowned King. But Can He Ever Be the Star? (2023)
2
A group or organisation that has broken away from a bigger one.
3
(religion) An official break into separate parts within a religious organisation.
"The schism between Sunnis and Shias happened quite early in Islamic history."
4
(religion) A break in which a Christian group stops recognising the Church's authority while keeping the same core beliefs.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like schism.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Etymology
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.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for schism
See all rhymes for schism →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of schism?
"schism" (noun) means a break into separate parts within a group, usually because members disagree.
What is another word for schism?
Other words for "schism" include split.
What is the opposite of schism?
Opposites of "schism" include unity, communion.
What are the different meanings of schism?
"schism" has 3 main meanings: 1. A break into separate parts within a group, usually because members disagree; 2. A group or organisation that has broken away from a bigger one; 3. (religion) An official break into separate parts within a religious organisation.
