splits
|splits|
/splɪts/
(split)
divide into parts
Etymology
'split' originates from Old Norse, specifically the word 'splitta', meaning 'to split or cleave'.
'split' changed from Old Norse 'splitta' into Middle English forms like 'splitten' or 'spleten' and eventually became the modern English word 'split'.
Initially, it meant 'to cleave or separate by force', and over time it has kept that core sense while expanding to figurative uses like 'divide an organization' or informal senses like 'leave quickly'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
plural of 'split': a separation, tear, division, or breach; also a gymnastic position where the legs are extended in opposite directions ('the splits').
There were several splits in the old fence that needed repairing.
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Noun 2
plural of 'split' used idiomatically: the gymnastic posture 'the splits'—a full side or front split.
She landed the routine perfectly and held the splits at the end.
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Verb 1
third-person singular present form of 'split': to divide, separate, or break into parts; to leave suddenly (informal).
He splits the tasks between the two teams to speed up the project.
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Verb 2
third-person singular present of 'split' meaning to cause a disagreement or rupture within a group ('to split a group').
The proposal splits the committee and sparks a heated debate.
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Last updated: 2025/12/11 18:25