Definition

1. Verb:
   • To split, to divide: Refers to the action of separating or dividing into distinct parts, often used in political or social contexts to describe factions or groups breaking apart.
   • To disjoin, to become disunited: Describes a state of separation or disunion, where a previously unified entity becomes divided.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Các đảng phái chính trị đã phân liệt thành nhiều nhóm nhỏ. (The political parties have split into many small groups.)
  • Sự bất đồng quan điểm có thể khiến một tổ chức phân liệt. (Differences in opinion can cause an organization to divide.)

Advanced Usage

• Phân liệt is often used in formal or academic contexts, particularly in politics, sociology, or group dynamics, to describe internal division.
  • Sau cuộc khủng hoảng, hội đồng quản trị bắt đầu có dấu hiệu phân liệt. (After the crisis, the board of directors began to show signs of splitting.)

Variants and Related Words

• Phân chia (verb): To divide, to share. This is a more general term for division.
  • Họ phân chia tài sản. (They divided the assets.)
• Chia rẽ (verb): To cause division or discord, often with a negative connotation of creating conflict.
  • Những tin đồn ác ý nhằm chia rẽ nội bộ. (Malicious rumors aim to sow discord within.)

Synonyms

• Chia tách: To separate, to split off.
• Ly khai: To secede, to break away (often used for regions or groups formally leaving a larger entity).

Notes on Meaning

• The core meaning of phân liệt involves a split within a cohesive group, leading to the formation of opposing factions. It implies a process or result of division that often weakens the original whole.
• It is less commonly used in everyday conversation and more typical in analytical writing about politics, history, or social movements.

1. Split, divide