Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Relating to a specific region or group: Pertaining to or characteristic of a particular geographic area, community, or subgroup within a larger whole, often implying division or distinct interests.
   • Made of or divided into sections: Constructed from separate parts or units that can be combined or used independently.
   • Relating to a cross-section: In technical contexts, pertaining to a view or representation of something as if it were cut through by an intersecting plane to show its internal structure.

2. Noun:

   • A modular piece of furniture: An item of furniture, typically a sofa, composed of multiple individual segments or units that can be arranged in various configurations.

Examples

• Adjective:

  • The debate revealed deep sectional divides within the country.
  • They bought a sectional sofa that fits perfectly in their corner living room.
  • The engineer studied the sectional diagram of the engine.

• Noun:

  • We need a new sectional for the family room; the old one is worn out.
  • The large sectional can be rearranged into a bed for guests.

Advanced Usage

• "Sectional interests": The concerns or advantages specific to a particular region or group, often at the expense of the whole.

  • The politician was accused of prioritizing sectional interests over national unity.

• In a technical/engineering context: Used to describe drawings, views, or analyses based on a cross-section.

  • The architect provided sectional elevations to show the interior layout.

Variants and Related Words

• Section (n/v): A distinct part or subdivision; to divide into parts.
  • Please refer to section three of the document.
• Sectionalism (n): Excessive regard for the interests of one's own region or group over those of the nation as a whole.
  • Historians cite sectionalism as a major cause of the conflict.

Synonyms

• Adjective (regional sense): Regional, local, parochial, factional.
• Adjective (modular sense): Modular, segmented, sectionalized.
• Noun (furniture): Modular sofa, sectional sofa.

Related Phrases

• Sectional view (n): A drawing or representation of an object as it would appear if cut by an intersecting plane.
  • The manual includes a sectional view of the assembly.

Idioms

(No common idioms are directly and exclusively formed with the word "sectional".)

Adjective

1. related or limited to a distinct region or subdivision of a territory or community or group of people
   • sectional tensions arose over slavery
2. consisting of or divided into sections
   • a sectional sofa
   • sectioned plates
3. relating to or based upon a section (i.e. as if cut through by an intersecting plane)
   • a sectional view
   • sectional drawings

Noun

1. a piece of furniture made up of sections that can be arranged individually or together