splits: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighNeutral; common in everyday, business, and technical registers depending on context.
Quick answer
What does “splits” mean?
The third person singular present tense of 'split' (to divide or separate into parts) or the plural noun form referring to instances of division or separations.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The third person singular present tense of 'split' (to divide or separate into parts) or the plural noun form referring to instances of division or separations.
In specific contexts: gymnastics (a position where legs are extended in opposite directions), finance (division of stock shares), relationships (ending a partnership), or general acts of partitioning.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'share split' is more common in finance, while American English prefers 'stock split'. The term 'splits' in gymnastics is used similarly in both.
Connotations
Generally neutral; in relationships, 'split up' can carry emotional weight in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects, with slight contextual preferences in finance terminology.
Grammar
How to Use “splits” in a Sentence
split something (e.g., splits the wood)split into something (e.g., splits into factions)split with someone (e.g., splits with a partner)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “splits” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He splits the difference in every negotiation to keep peace.
- The river splits the valley into two distinct regions.
American English
- She splits the check evenly with her colleagues at lunch.
- The committee splits on the vote, causing a delay.
adjective
British English
- The splits competition in gymnastics draws large crowds.
- Her splits routine requires intense training.
American English
- The splits event at the tournament is highly competitive.
- His splits stance is admired for its precision.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to corporate actions like stock splits or division of assets.
Academic
Used in disciplines like mathematics (splitting sets) or sociology (group splits).
Everyday
Common in discussions about sharing costs, ending relationships, or physical activities.
Technical
In gymnastics, denotes a specific flexibility position; in computing, can refer to data splitting.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “splits”
- Using 'splits' for past tense (correct: 'split' as in 'He split the log yesterday').
- Incorrect pluralization as 'splitses' (no such form).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both: as a verb, it's the third person singular of 'split'; as a noun, it's the plural form referring to divisions or specific instances like in gymnastics.
It is pronounced /splɪts/, with a short 'i' sound, similar to British English but with potential slight vowel variations in casual speech.
Yes, depending on context: it is acceptable in business (e.g., 'stock splits') or academic texts, but in informal senses like relationships, more formal alternatives might be preferred.
'Split' is the base form (verb infinitive, past tense, or singular noun), while 'splits' is the third person singular present verb or plural noun, indicating multiple divisions or habitual actions.
The third person singular present tense of 'split' (to divide or separate into parts) or the plural noun form referring to instances of division or separations.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “split hairs”
- “split the difference”
- “split one's sides laughing”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a banana split dessert—it's literally split into sections with ice cream and toppings.
Conceptual Metaphor
Division as a precise or forceful act of breaking, often with implications of clarity or finality.
Practice
Quiz
What is a common meaning of 'splits' in finance?