split

To divide something into parts, or become divided into parts.

• We split the cake in half.
• They split the bill equally.
• The path splits into two near the river.

How to use it: split something into something (Split the class into three groups.); split something between people (We split the money between four friends.)

Similar words: divide, separate

Opposites: join, combine

Common phrases: split something in half, split the bill, split into something

If people separate because they disagree, they form different groups or support different sides.

• The party split over the issue.
• Members are split between two candidates.
• The argument split the group into rival camps.

How to use it: split over something (The committee split over the proposed changes.); split into something (The movement split into two factions.)

Similar words: divide, break up

Opposites: unite

Common phrases: split over something, split into groups, split the party

If wood or another solid material breaks along a line, it opens or separates.

• The dry wood split easily.
• He split the log with an axe.
• The board had split along the grain.

How to use it: split along something (The timber split along a natural line.)

Similar words: crack, cleave

Common phrases: split wood, split along something, split a log

To break the skin open, usually by hitting it against something.

• I split my lip.
• She fell and split her chin.
• The impact split the skin above his eye.

Similar words: cut

Common phrases: split your lip, split your head, split someone’s skin

To leave a place.

• It is late. Let’s split.
• We split before the police arrived.
• Everyone had split by midnight.

Similar words: leave, go, take off

Opposites: stay

Common phrases: let’s split, split from somewhere

If your head feels as if it is breaking apart, it hurts very badly.

• My head feels like it will split.
• The pounding made her head seem to split.
• After hours of noise, his head felt ready to split.

Common phrases: head will split, head seems to split

Separated into parts, groups, or different opinions.

• The committee is split.
• Public opinion remains split on the issue.
• The judges reached a split decision.

How to use it: split over/on something (The family is split over the move.); split between A and B (Her loyalties are split between her family and her career.)

Similar words: divided

Opposites: united

Common phrases: split decision, split opinion, split over something

A serious disagreement that separates people or groups.

• The argument caused a split.
• A split in the party weakened its leadership.
• They tried to heal the split between the two communities.

How to use it: split between A and B (The split between the partners grew wider.); split in something (A split in the union delayed the vote.)

Similar words: division, rift, break

Opposites: unity

Common phrases: split between groups, split in something, bitter split