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"Rift" and "split": bridging the divide between the words

Reviewed and edited by Lloyd Cooper 14/10/2024, 21:06
English.me team member
Rift and split. What's the difference?

What is similar?

Both "rift" and "split" refer to a division or separation between two or more things. They can be used in both physical and metaphorical contexts to describe a break, fracture, or disagreement.

What is different?

"Rift" often implies a deeper or more serious separation, particularly in relationships or opinions, and can suggest a more emotional or lasting divide. "Split" is more general and can refer to any division or separation, whether physical, such as a split in a piece of wood, or abstract, such as a split decision. "Split" is also often used as a verb, whereas "rift" is primarily a noun.

Which one is more common?

Internet search results for rift) and split

Examples of usage

Rift
  • There was a growing rift between the two former allies.
  • The rift in the rock was large enough to climb through.
  • Over time, the rift in their friendship became impossible to mend.
Split
  • They decided to split the bill equally among themselves.
  • The party split into two factions over the issue.
  • A split decision by the jury resulted in a mistrial.

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