Definition

Verb: - To divide something into distinct sections or parts. This often refers to creating geographic or administrative divisions within a larger area, such as a country or region.

Usage

The verb "sectionalise" (also spelled "sectionalize") is used to describe the action of partitioning a whole into separate, defined sections. It is a formal term often found in geographical, political, or organizational contexts. - It is a transitive verb, requiring a direct object (e.g., to sectionalise something). - The process implies a systematic division, often for the purpose of management, analysis, or control.

Examples

• The new policy aimed to sectionalise the vast national park into manageable conservation zones.
• Urban planners decided to sectionalise the city based on residential, commercial, and industrial needs.
• To improve governance, the colonial administration sought to sectionalise the territory.

Advanced Usage

• "to be sectionalised": Describes the state of having been divided.
  • The report presented data from a country that was heavily sectionalised for the census.

Variants and Related Words

• Sectionalize: The preferred spelling in American English. It has the same meaning and usage as "sectionalise".
• Section (noun): A distinct part or subdivision of something.
• Sectional (adjective): Relating to a particular section or group; local rather than general.
• Subsection (noun): A division within a section.

Synonyms

• Divide: To separate into parts.
• Partition: To divide into parts, especially by the use of a barrier.
• Segment: To divide into segments or sections.
• Zone: To designate or mark off into zones (specific areas with particular characteristics or uses).

Antonyms

• Unify: To make or become a single unit.
• Combine: To join or merge to form a single entity.
• Integrate: To combine one thing with another to form a whole.

Related Phrases

• Carve up: (Idiomatic) To divide something, especially territory, into parts, often in a forceful or unfair way.
  • The treaty effectively carved up the empire.
• Break down: To separate something into smaller, simpler parts for analysis.
  • We need to break down the budget into sectional costs.

Verb

1. divide into sections, especially into geographic sections
   • sectionalize a country