# schism

/ˈskɪzəm/ (US) · /skˈɪzəm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/schism
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. a split in a group

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a serious disagreement that causes a group or organization to divide into two smaller groups.

For teachers: a formal separation or division within a body or organization, typically resulting from irreconcilable discord or differences in opinion.

- The disagreement over the new budget caused a deep schism within the political party.
- The ideological schism between the traditionalists and the reformers threatened to dismantle the coalition before the upcoming election cycle.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'between' or 'within'.

### 2. religious division

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Technical

a formal split within a church or religious group, often because of different beliefs.

For teachers: a formal breach of union within a religious body, specifically one that does not necessarily involve a change in fundamental doctrine.

- The Great Schism of 1054 divided the Christian church into East and West.
- Historians argue that the schism was driven more by ecclesiastical politics and regional authority than by genuine theological disputes.

Teaching tip: In a religious context, a schism is distinct from 'heresy'; a schism is a split in authority, while heresy is a split in belief.

### 3. to cause a split

verb · CEFR C2 · Formal · Literary

to divide a group into two separate parts.

For teachers: to cause a group or organization to split or divide into factions.

- The controversial decision threatened to schism the entire community.
- The leadership's refusal to compromise served only to schism the movement, alienating the younger members who sought radical change.

Usage: This verb is transitive and takes a direct object, though it is much less common than the noun form.

## Examples

- The disagreement caused a deep schism in the political party.
- The Great Schism of 1054 resulted in the permanent separation of the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches.
- While the leadership attempted to project an image of unity, a growing ideological schism between the traditionalists and the reformers threatened to tear the institution apart from within.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.