B2verb1K

Split

UK /["/splɪt/","/splɪts/","/ˈsplɪtɪŋ/"]/US /["/splɪt/","/splɪts/","/ˈsplɪtɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to divide, or to make something divide, into two or more parts

In simple words: To divide something into parts or pieces.

Examples

I need to split the cake into equal pieces for everyone.
After the argument, they decided to split up and go their separate ways.
Can you help me split the bills among all the friends at dinner?
The group was split between two different opinions on the issue.
He could easily split the logs with just a few swings of his axe.
It's important to split your time wisely between work and leisure.
The film split audiences, with some loving it and others hating it.
During the competition, he attempted a split move that impressed the judges.

Usage notes

Use 'split' when talking about dividing things, like a bill or a group. It's suitable in most contexts but avoid using it in very formal writing.

Grammar pattern

split + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'split the pie' — imagine cutting a pie into pieces.

Collocations

equally
evenly
among
between
split something two, three, etc. ways
split the difference
split your time between something and something
eventually
finally
apart
from
into
on
be deeply split
easily
apart
open
into

Synonyms

divide
separate
partition
dissect
split up

Antonyms

unite
combine
join

Common mistakes

'Splitting' used incorrectly in continuous tense when referring to a completed action.
'Split' confused with 'spliT' when forming past tense.
Incorrectly using 'split' without an object, as in 'We will split.'