What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
division
Example
The division of labor in the factory helped increase efficiency. [division: noun]
Example
The political party experienced a division over the issue of taxation. [division: noun]
Example
She divided the cake into equal portions for everyone. [divided: verb]
schism
Example
The church experienced a schism over the interpretation of scripture. [schism: noun]
Example
The company suffered a schism when the CEO and board members could not agree on the direction of the business. [schism: noun]
Example
The argument caused a schism in their friendship that was never repaired. [schism: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Division is more commonly used than schism in everyday language. Division is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while schism is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between division and schism?
Schism is more formal than division and is typically associated with religious or ideological contexts. Division is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.