split
/splɪt/ (bre, ipa) · [splˈɪt] /splɪt/ (ame, ipa) · [splˈɪt] /ˈsplit/ (ame, mw)
split — verb
- splitpresent simple I / you / we / they
- splitshe / she / it
- splitting-ing form
1. to break something apart by cutting or tearing, producing separate pieces; or to
to break something apart by cutting or tearing, producing separate pieces; or to distribute something among people so that each gets a share.
Bilal split the log into pieces with an axe.
split + object + into + parts
The four friends split the cost of the taxi ride between them.
split + object + between + people (share cost)
Hoa split her lip open when she fell off her bicycle.
The orange splits easily if you press on the seam.
Camille and her brother split the pizza evenly between them.
文法句型
split + object + into + parts
split + object + between/among + people
split + object + in half/two
split + (no object)
split + object + adjective (split something open)
用法筆記
Frequently used with 'up', 'into', 'between', 'among' to show how the division happens. The transitive form takes a direct object; the intransitive form describes the thing dividing itself.
常見錯誤
2. if a hard material splits, long narrow cracks or openings form in its surface, o
if a hard material splits, long narrow cracks or openings form in its surface, often because of heat, dryness, or pressure.
The old wooden table split down the middle after years in the sun.
material + split + location (time/condition)
Élise noticed that the paint on the ceiling had begun to split in several places.
The dry ground split open under the summer heat.
The bark of the old oak tree began to split in the freezing winter weather.
文法句型
split + (when/if/under) + condition
split + adverb
用法筆記
This sense is intransitive only — the material cracks on its own, not because someone actively splits it. Distinguish from verb/1 (DIVIDE) where a person or force actively separates something.
3. when members of a group disagree strongly and separate into smaller groups with
when members of a group disagree strongly and separate into smaller groups with opposing views.
The committee split into two factions over the new budget plan.
split + into + groups + over + issue
The issue of climate policy split the party down the middle.
issue + split + group (transitive, causing separation)
Tamar warned that the board would split if they did not find a way to agree.
After the election, the union split into three separate organisations.
- unite
bringing groups together instead of apart
文法句型
split + (into) + groups
split + over + issue
split + (no object)
用法筆記
Subject is typically an organisation, political party, or group with internal disagreement. The transitive form (e.g. 'The issue split the group') means the issue caused the separation.
4. to accept a price or figure that lies midway between what each side originally p
to accept a price or figure that lies midway between what each side originally proposed.
Lucía wanted $120 for the lamp, and I offered $80, so we split the difference at $100.
split the difference at [amount]
The buyer and seller could not agree on a price until they decided to split the difference.
Eve suggested they split the difference between her holiday request and the manager's counteroffer.
The tenants could not agree on a rent increase until the landlord offered to split the difference.
- compromise
broader meaning — can involve any kind of mutual concession, not just a midpoint number
- meet halfway
more informal phrasal expression for reaching a middle ground
文法句型
split + the difference + (between X and Y)
用法筆記
Almost always used with the fixed phrase 'split the difference'. The difference being split is the gap between two numbers. Common in bargaining, negotiating, and everyday financial discussions.
常見錯誤
5. to reduce what you are asking for or change your position so that two sides can
to reduce what you are asking for or change your position so that two sides can reach an agreement.
Neither side wanted to split, so the negotiation went on for hours.
split as 'compromise' (negotiation context)
Allison refused to split, insisting on the full amount she had asked for.
After hours of debate, both sides finally agreed to split.
Bilal knew he would have to split if he wanted the deal to go through.
- compromise
more formal; 'split' in this sense is informal
- insist
refusing to move from one's original position
文法句型
split + (no object) — in negotiation context
用法筆記
This sense overlaps with sense 4 (SPLIT DIFFERENCE) but is broader — it describes any compromise, not just splitting a numerical gap. Frequently used in informal negotiation contexts. Distinguish from sense 3 (GROUP SPLIT), where the result is separation rather than agreement.
6. to tell someone in authority a secret or damaging piece of information about ano
to tell someone in authority a secret or damaging piece of information about another person, especially one you were supposed to protect.
Gita split on her classmates when the teacher asked who had thrown the paper aeroplane.
split + on + someone
Ravindra warned his friends not to split if the police questioned them.
One of the gang members split and gave the others' names to the detectives.
The teenagers split on their leader when the principal offered to reduce their punishment.
文法句型
split + on + someone
split + (no object)
用法筆記
Strongly informal and negative in tone. Typically used in contexts of criminal activity, school mischief, or group secrets. The phrase 'split on someone' always has a negative connotation of betrayal.
7. to depart from somewhere, often in a hurry or without saying goodbye.
to depart from somewhere, often in a hurry or without saying goodbye.
Haruto decided to split when he saw his ex-girlfriend walk into the party.
split = leave quickly (informal)
The band split after the show without speaking to any of the fans.
Nala heard a siren and told everyone it was time to split.
The guests split before the police even arrived at the house.
- leave
neutral and formal; 'split' is much more casual
- get out of
informal phrasal verb; similar register
- take off
informal; implies sudden departure
文法句型
split + (no object)
split + location adverb
用法筆記
Very informal — common in casual conversation but inappropriate in formal writing. Often implies a hasty or secretive departure. Not to be confused with sense 8 (SEPARATE), which is about ending a relationship.
8. to end a romantic relationship or stop being together as a couple.
to end a romantic relationship or stop being together as a couple.
Maja and Christopher split up after dating for three years.
split + up (end a romantic relationship)
Hannah's parents split when she was eight years old.
Allison decided to split with her partner after months of arguing.
The couple tried therapy, but they still ended up splitting.
- get together
starting a relationship
- reconcile
repairing a broken relationship
文法句型
split + up + (with someone)
split + (no object)
split + up
用法筆記
Commonly appears as the phrasal verb 'split up' (inseparable). Can be used with 'with' to specify the person ('split up with someone'). More common in British English than American English for relationship endings.
常見錯誤
split — noun
- splitsingular
- splitsplural
1. a long thin opening or break in the surface of something, caused by it tearing o
a long thin opening or break in the surface of something, caused by it tearing or separating.
There was a visible split in the wall where the house had settled unevenly.
split in [surface/material]
Sade noticed a thin split running along the entire length of the wooden door.
Light was coming through a small split in the fabric of the old tent.
Élise repaired the split in her hiking trousers with strong tape.
用法筆記
Often used for damage in wood, fabric, plastic, or other materials where a clean break forms a thin opening. 'Crack' is more common for glass or stone, while 'split' typically describes wood or fabric.
2. when the members of an organisation or community disagree so strongly that they
when the members of an organisation or community disagree so strongly that they form smaller opposing groups.
The deep split within the party caused two leaders to emerge before the election.
split within [group]
A split in the family over the inheritance kept them from speaking for years.
split in [group] over [issue]
The board tried hard to avoid a split, but the disagreement was too deep.
Hoa warned that the proposed changes would cause a split among the members.
- unity
when a group stays together
用法筆記
Used with 'in', 'within', 'among', or 'between' to show where the division happens. 'Split over [issue]' names the topic causing the disagreement. Often collocates with 'deep', 'serious', or 'growing'.
3. a position in gymnastics, dance, or yoga where one leg is stretched forward and
a position in gymnastics, dance, or yoga where one leg is stretched forward and the other backward, both forming a straight line with the floor.
The gymnast practised her splits every morning to improve her flexibility.
do/practise the splits
Haruto could do the splits after just three months of yoga classes.
The dance instructor showed the class how to lower into a split safely.
Camille held her split for ten seconds during the gymnastics routine.
用法筆記
Almost always used in the plural form 'the splits' or 'splits'. Common set expressions: 'do the splits', 'hold a split'. Not used in the singular countably (❌ 'a split position') except in technical descriptions.
常見錯誤
4. a runner's or swimmer's time measured at a particular stage of a contest, or the
a runner's or swimmer's time measured at a particular stage of a contest, or the interval needed to cover a portion of the full distance.
The runner's split at the halfway mark was forty-five seconds ahead of schedule.
split at [point] = time at that point
Christopher checked his split times on his watch after each kilometre of the marathon.
split times = times for segments
The coach recorded every split during the 400-metre race to find where the athlete slowed down.
The swimmer's final split was faster than the first, showing good pacing.
用法筆記
Common in competitive running, swimming, and cycling. A 'split time' helps athletes see how their speed changes over different parts of a race. Often appears in the compound noun 'split time'.
split — adjective
- splitpositive
- splittercomparative
- splittestsuperlative
1. describing something that has been divided into parts, or a group that is sharpl
describing something that has been divided into parts, or a group that is sharply divided by disagreement.
The audience was split on whether the film deserved to win the top prize.
be split on/over [issue]
Bilal found a split board in the pile and set it aside for firewood.
The jury remained split even after three days of careful discussion.
A split society rarely makes progress on important national issues.
- united
joined together as a whole
用法筆記
Used predicatively with 'be', 'remain', 'become' ('the group is split'). When modifying a noun directly ('a split society'), it describes a group divided by conflict. For physical objects, describes damage (a split piece of wood).