schism
Meaning: A deep and often irreconcilable division within a group, organisation, or community, especially one caused by disagreement over fundamental principles. Originally a religious term for a formal split within a church.
Schism carries an undertone of historic rupture — it is not a mere disagreement but a fundamental fracture that may prove permanent. The Great Schism of 1054 between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches is the paradigmatic example, and the word retains this sense of profound institutional division. In modern journalism and political analysis, schism is applied to party splits, ideological rifts, and cultural fault lines. It collocates with 'within,' 'between,' 'deep,' and 'growing.'
Examples
- The schism within the Conservative Party over European integration defined British politics for a generation. 保守党内部围绕欧洲一体化的分裂定义了一代人的英国政治。El cisma dentro del Partido Conservador en torno a la integración europea definió la política británica durante toda una generación.欧州統合をめぐる保守党内の分裂は、一世代にわたるイギリス政治を規定した。유럽 통합을 둘러싼 보수당 내의 분열은 한 세대에 걸쳐 영국 정치를 규정했다.
- A growing schism between the scientific community and policymakers has hampered the government's response to climate change. 科学界与政策制定者之间日益加深的裂痕妨碍了政府对气候变化的应对。Un cisma creciente entre la comunidad científica y los responsables políticos ha dificultado la respuesta del gobierno al cambio climático.科学界と政策立案者の間の深まる亀裂が、気候変動に対する政府の対応を妨げてきた。과학계와 정책 입안자 사이의 깊어지는 균열이 기후변화에 대한 정부의 대응을 저해해 왔다.
- The appointment of a female bishop deepened the schism within the Anglican Communion between liberal and traditionalist factions. 女性主教的任命加深了英国圣公会内部自由派与保守派之间的分裂。El nombramiento de una mujer obispo agravó el cisma en la Comunión Anglicana entre las facciones liberal y tradicionalista.女性主教の任命は、英国国教会内の自由主義派と保守派の間の分裂をさらに深めた。여성 주교의 임명은 영국 성공회 내 자유주의파와 전통주의파 사이의 분열을 더욱 심화시켰다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: political, journalism, academic
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Greek skhisma (division, cleft), from skhizein (to split). Entered English via Latin and Old French in the 14th century, initially as a purely ecclesiastical term.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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