sectarianism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Academic, News/Media
Quick answer
What does “sectarianism” mean?
Excessive attachment to a particular sect or party, especially in religion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Excessive attachment to a particular sect or party, especially in religion.
Excessive devotion to a specific group (religious, political, ethnic) that leads to prejudice, discrimination, and conflict with those outside the group.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning. The term is common in discussions of Northern Ireland (UK) and in US historical/ political discourse (e.g., early American history, Middle East analysis).
Connotations
Strongly negative in both varieties, associated with bigotry, violence, and social division.
Frequency
Similar frequency in relevant contexts (political science, history, journalism). Possibly higher frequency in UK media due to historical coverage of Northern Ireland.
Grammar
How to Use “sectarianism” in a Sentence
Sectarianism + verb (plagues, divides, undermines)Adjective + sectarianism (religious, political, bitter)Preposition + sectarianism (rise in sectarianism, free from sectarianism)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sectarianism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The community leaders sought to sectarianise the political debate.
- Politicians are accused of sectarianising the conflict.
American English
- The rhetoric served to sectarianize the electorate.
- They warned against sectarianizing the issue.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. May appear in risk analysis for operations in divided regions (e.g., 'Sectarianism poses a threat to regional stability and investment.').
Academic
Common in political science, sociology, history, and religious studies papers analyzing group conflict.
Everyday
Used in serious discussions about social or political divisions, often in news commentary.
Technical
Used as a specific term in conflict studies and peacebuilding literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sectarianism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sectarianism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sectarianism”
- Misspelling as 'sectarism' or 'sectionarianism'. Using it to describe simple disagreement without the element of prejudice based on group identity.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while often religious, it can apply to any rigid adherence to a subgroup leading to conflict (e.g., political sectarianism).
Sectarianism is based on differences within a larger group (e.g., different Christian denominations), while racism is based on perceived biological or ethnic differences.
Almost never. It is a pejorative term describing a negative social phenomenon.
'Sectarian' is the related adjective (e.g., sectarian violence).
Excessive attachment to a particular sect or party, especially in religion.
Sectarianism is usually formal, academic, news/media in register.
Sectarianism: in British English it is pronounced /sekˈteə.ri.ə.nɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /sekˈter.i.ə.nɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Sectarianism rears its ugly head.”
- “The old sectarian divide.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SECT (a strict religious group) + ARIANISM (like a rigid 'ism' or doctrine). It's the doctrine of sticking rigidly to your sect.
Conceptual Metaphor
SECTARIANISM IS A DIVIDING WALL / SECTARIANISM IS A DISEASE (that plagues society).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'sectarianism' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?