ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sectarian

adj.
C1 Advanced US //sɛkˈtɛɹiən// UK //sɛktˈeəɹiən// sec·tar·i·an

adj. describing strong support for one specific religious or political group, often leading to conflict with others. It is usually used when groups within the same religion or country disagree deeply.

adj. relating to or characteristic of a sect or faction, especially one that is narrow-minded or dogmatic. Often describes tensions or violence between different branches of the same religion.


SIMPLE

The country is trying to end years of sectarian violence.

CONTEXTUAL

Political leaders called for unity to prevent the dispute from turning into a sectarian conflict between the two religious communities.

COMPLEX

The peace treaty aimed to dismantle the sectarian divisions that had historically fragmented the region's governance and social fabric for decades.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Medieval Latin sectarius + -an. Its corresponding etymology per the first sense is sect + -arian.

Usage

Typically used as an attributive adjective before nouns like 'violence', 'conflict', or 'divide'.

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