What is split? Pronunciation and usage in English

split means . Learn how to pronounce and use split through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of split

splitverb

/splɪt/
Definition & pronunciation of split

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "split" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

The Standard Pronunciation (American English):

  • ˈsplit (stress is on the first syllable)

Here's how it sounds: “Split” (rhymes with “bit”)

  • S – Pronounced like the "s" in "sun"
  • P – Pronounced like the "p" in "pen"
  • L – Pronounced like the "l" in "light"
  • I – A short "i" sound, like in "sit"
  • T – Pronounced like the "t" in "top"

The British English Pronunciation:

  • splɪt (stress is on the first syllable)

It sounds like: “Split” (rhymes with “kit”) – The “i” is a bit shorter and slightly more closed than in American English.

Key Tips:

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  • Are you aiming for American English pronunciation, or British English pronunciation?

Usage and examples with the word split in English

Let's break down how to use the word "split" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with multiple meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown with examples:

1. To Divide into Parts (Most Common)

  • Meaning: To separate something into two or more parts.
  • Usage: This is the most frequent way "split" is used.
  • Examples:
    • “Let’s split the bill equally.” (Divide a bill)
    • “The team decided to split into smaller groups.” (Divide a team)
    • “He split the log with an axe.” (Separate a log)
    • “The road split into two directions.” (Separate a road)
    • “I split the tomato in half for my sandwich.” (Cut into two)

2. To Separate Quickly (Often with Movement)

  • Meaning: To move apart suddenly, usually quickly.
  • Usage: Often implies a sudden, forceful separation.
  • Examples:
    • “The horse split from the herd.” (Moved away quickly from the group)
    • “The crowd split after the announcement.” (Moved apart in different directions)
    • “The fabric split when I pulled it too hard.” (Separated abruptly)

3. To Break or Crack (Often of Material)

  • Meaning: To develop a crack or fissure in something.
  • Usage: Commonly used with materials like wood, ice, or skin.
  • Examples:
    • “The ice split in the middle.” (Developed a crack)
    • “His skin split from the sunburn.” (Developed cracks)
    • “The wood split during the storm.” (Developed a crack)

4. To Divide a Task or Responsibility

  • Meaning: To divide a task among people.
  • Usage: Similar to "divide" but often implies sharing the work.
  • Examples:
    • "We need to split the chores around the house." (Divide household tasks)
    • "Let’s split the tasks for the project." (Divide roles and responsibilities)

5. (Verb – Informal) To Leave Quickly/Go Away

  • Meaning: To depart, often abruptly. (More casual)
  • Usage: Often used in slang or informal conversation.
  • Examples:
    • “Let’s split – I’m tired.” (Let’s leave)
    • “We split after the party.” (Left after the party)

6. (Noun - Pieces of Something)

  • Meaning: The separate parts into which something has been divided.
  • Usage: Refers to the resulting pieces after being split.
  • Examples:
    • "The wood produced several splits." (The broken pieces of wood)
    • “He collected the splits of the fabric.” (The separate pieces of fabric)

7. (Verb - Technology - Computer)

  • Meaning: To divide a file, video, or data into smaller parts for easier transfer or storage.
  • Usage: Specific to computer terminology.
  • Example: "I need to split this large video file into smaller parts."

Tips for Using "Split" Correctly:

  • Context is key: The meaning of "split" is almost entirely determined by the context in which it's used.
  • Consider the verb or noun form: Pay attention to whether you're describing an action (splitting something) or referring to the result of that action (splits).

Resources for Further Learning:

Can you give me an example sentence you’d like me to analyze, or perhaps a situation where you're unsure how to use “split”?

Synonyms for the word split

Idioms of the word split

split the difference
(figurative)(when discussing a price, etc.) to agree on an amount that is at an equal distance between the two amounts that have been suggested
  • I offered €200 but he wanted €300. In the end, we split the difference and I paid him €250.
  • I wanted to leave early and Ian wanted to leave late, so we split the difference and left at noon.
split/divide (something) down the middle
to divide something into two equal parts; to divide into two equal parts
  • The country was split down the middle over the strike (= half supported it, half did not).
  • Divide the cake down the middle.
  • It would seem the community has divided down the middle, with some favouring expansion and some dead set against it.
split hairs
to pay too much attention in an argument to differences that are very small and not important
    split an infinitive
    to place an adverb between ‘to’ and the infinitive of a verb, for example to say ‘to strongly deny the report’. Some people consider this to be bad English style.
      split your sides (laughing/with laughter)
      to laugh a lot at somebody/something
        split the ticket
        (US English, politics)to vote for candidates from more than one party

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