great schism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (specialist/historical)Formal, academic, historical, religious
Quick answer
What does “great schism” mean?
A major split or division within a religion, organization, or movement, historically referring to the split between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches (1054) or the Western Schism (1378–1417).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A major split or division within a religion, organization, or movement, historically referring to the split between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches (1054) or the Western Schism (1378–1417).
Any profound and enduring division that creates two opposing factions from a previously unified entity. Used metaphorically in politics, academia, and other social contexts to describe a fundamental rupture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling conventions follow standard UK/US rules for 'great' and 'schism'.
Connotations
Carries the same historical and formal weight in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to historical, theological, or metaphorical academic discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “great schism” in a Sentence
The Great Schism [between X and Y]The Great Schism [of + DATE]The Great Schism [in/within + ORGANIZATION]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “great schism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The church was schismed by the doctrinal controversy.
American English
- The movement schismed over the leadership issue.
adjective
British English
- The schismatic groups never reunited.
- Post-schism relations were strained.
American English
- The schism era was marked by conflict.
- A schism document outlined the grievances.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorically for a deep split in a company's leadership or strategic direction (e.g., 'The new policy caused a Great Schism on the board.').
Academic
Primary context. Precise reference to the East-West Schism or Western Schism in history, theology, and medieval studies.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used for dramatic effect regarding a major family or community split.
Technical
Used in church history, ecclesiology, and historical sociology to label specific events.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “great schism”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “great schism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “great schism”
- Using lowercase ('great schism') when referring to the specific historical events.
- Confusing the 1054 East-West Schism with the 1378-1417 Western Schism (Papal Schism).
- Using it for temporary or minor disagreements.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
1. The East–West Schism (1054) between the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches. 2. The Western Schism (or Papal Schism, 1378–1417), when multiple individuals claimed to be the true Pope.
Yes, but it is a formal and dramatic metaphor. It is used to describe a deep, foundational split within any organization, ideology, or movement (e.g., 'a Great Schism in the socialist movement').
When referring to the specific historical events, yes, it is a proper noun and capitalized: 'the Great Schism'. In metaphorical use, capitalization is less strict but often retained for emphasis.
A 'schism' is any division. 'Great Schism' implies a division of historic scale, consequence, and permanence, often formalized into separate institutions with lasting legacy.
A major split or division within a religion, organization, or movement, historically referring to the split between the Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic Churches (1054) or the Western Schism (1378–1417).
Great schism is usually formal, academic, historical, religious in register.
Great schism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt ˈskɪzəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt ˈskɪzəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A schism as great as that of 1054”
- “To risk a Great Schism”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GREAT S(C)HIS-m in a piece of wood – it's a big, deep crack that splits one piece into two.
Conceptual Metaphor
RELIGIOUS/INSTITUTIONAL UNITY IS A WHOLE OBJECT; A SCHISM IS A CLEAVAGE/FRACTURE IN THAT OBJECT.
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is a correct use of 'Great Schism'?