sundered: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Literary, formal, poetic
Quick answer
What does “sundered” mean?
To violently break apart, split, or divide into separate pieces.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To violently break apart, split, or divide into separate pieces; often with a sense of permanent or forceful separation.
Can describe the breaking of connections between people, organizations, beliefs, or physical objects, implying a deep, often traumatic, division.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The word is equally literary in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally evocative of forceful, often tragic, separation in both dialects.
Frequency
Rare in everyday speech in both regions; primarily found in literary, historical, or elevated formal contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “sundered” in a Sentence
[Subject] sundered [Object] (transitive)[Object] was sundered (from [something]) (passive)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sundered” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The earthquake sundered the ancient stone bridge in twain.
- A bitter feud sundered the two branches of the family for generations.
American English
- The Civil War sundered the nation.
- The scandal sundered the CEO from the company he founded.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare. Potentially in metaphorical contexts about corporate break-ups: 'The merger sundered the company's historic identity.'
Academic
Used in history, literature, and political science to describe deep divisions: 'The war sundered the social fabric of the region.'
Everyday
Very uncommon. Would sound overly dramatic: 'Their disagreement sundered the friendship.'
Technical
Not typically used in technical fields unless in a metaphorical or brand/place name.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sundered”
- Using it in casual contexts. *'The cable was sundered' (too strong for a cut cable).
- Confusing it with 'plundered' or 'thundered'.
- Using as a common present tense verb: *'They sunder often' (highly atypical).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a literary and formal word. It is rare in everyday conversation but powerful when used appropriately in writing.
'Sundered' implies a violent, forceful, or traumatic breaking, often permanent. 'Separated' is neutral and can be temporary or mutual.
Yes, but almost exclusively as a past participle adjective (e.g., 'the sundered nation'). You wouldn't say 'a very sundered group'.
'Asunder' is an adverb meaning 'apart' or 'into pieces'. It is often used with verbs like 'tear', 'break', or 'pull'. 'Sunder' is the related verb. 'Tear asunder' is a common phrase.
To violently break apart, split, or divide into separate pieces.
Sundered is usually literary, formal, poetic in register.
Sundered: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌn.dəd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌn.dɚd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Sundered from the herd”
- “A sundered heart (poetic)”
- “Sunder the bonds of...”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of THUNDER splitting the sky—SUNDER splits things apart. Or: A violent SUN-DER (sun's ray?) cuts through the darkness, dividing it.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNITY IS WHOLENESS / DIVISION IS BREAKING. The state of being together is a solid object; conflict or tragedy is a force that shatters it.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'sundered' LEAST appropriate?