sectionalize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “sectionalize” mean?
To divide something into distinct sections or parts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To divide something into distinct sections or parts.
To organize or structure a system, area, or entity into separate, often manageable, units; can imply creating divisions that may lead to fragmentation or compartmentalization.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The spelling is consistent. Usage is slightly more common in American English in technical/engineering contexts.
Connotations
Similar in both varieties. Can imply bureaucratic or inefficient division.
Frequency
Rare in everyday speech in both varieties. More likely encountered in professional or academic writing.
Grammar
How to Use “sectionalize” in a Sentence
[Subject] sectionalizes [Object] (into [sections])It is advisable to sectionalize [Object] for clarity.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sectionalize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council plans to sectionalise the new parkland into recreational zones.
- We should sectionalise the report by geographical region.
American English
- The manual instructs you to sectionalize the procedure into five steps.
- A key strategy was to sectionalize the large sales territory.
adverb
British English
- [Not standard.]
American English
- [Not standard.]
adjective
British English
- [Not standard. Use 'sectional' or 'sectioned'.]
American English
- [Not standard. Use 'sectional' or 'sectioned'.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The management decided to sectionalize the project into distinct phases for better accountability.
Academic
The researcher chose to sectionalize the survey data by demographic variables.
Everyday
I need to sectionalize this long document to make it easier to read.
Technical
Engineers must sectionalize the power grid to isolate faults and prevent widespread outages.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sectionalize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sectionalize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sectionalize”
- Using it intransitively (e.g., 'The report sectionalizes well'). It requires an object.
- Confusing with 'section' as a noun. 'Sectionalize' is the action of creating sections.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word. More common synonyms are 'divide', 'segment', or 'partition'.
The related noun is 'sectionalization' (US) or 'sectionalisation' (UK), though 'division' or 'segmentation' are more common.
Yes, it can imply creating harmful or unnecessary divisions, e.g., 'to sectionalize a community'.
They are close synonyms. 'Compartmentalize' often implies stricter, more isolated divisions (like compartments in a box), especially in mental or organizational contexts. 'Sectionalize' is more general and often physical or structural.
To divide something into distinct sections or parts.
Sectionalize is usually formal, technical in register.
Sectionalize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkʃ(ə)nəˌlʌɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkʃənəˌlaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SECTION of an orange. To SECTIONALIZE is to cut something into separate SECTIONS, like that orange.
Conceptual Metaphor
ORGANIZATION IS DIVISION INTO PARTS; A SYSTEM IS A COLLECTION OF SECTIONS.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'sectionalize' MOST appropriately used?