How to pronounce schism
Say it like SKIZ-um. Schism has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKIZ).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce schism. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- SKIZ
- um
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Schism pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- SKIZSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- umKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of schism
American and British speakers say schism in essentially the same way: /ˈskɪzəm/ in the US and /ˈskɪzəm/ in the UK.
British respelling: SKIZ-um.
What does schism mean?
- A split or separation within a group or organization, typically caused by discord.“A schism broke the organization into two rivals.”
- A movement or organization that splits off from a larger body.“He founded a schism that eventually rivaled the original organization in size.”
- A formal division or split within a religious body.“The schism between Sunnis and Shias happened quite early in Islamic history.”
- To split, divide (a group or organization).
Where does schism come from?
This word was historically pronounced /ˈsɪzəm/ (and still is among the clergy); the pronunciations /ˈʃɪzəm/, /ˈskɪzəm/ are due to the spelling (the latter may have been reinforced by learned influence); compare schedule.
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with schism
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of schism.
Questions about saying schism
How do you pronounce schism?
Say SKIZ-um. The American pronunciation is /ˈskɪzəm/. In British English it is /ˈskɪzəm/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in schism?
Schism has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (SKIZ). Broken into parts: SKIZ · um.
Do Americans and Brits say schism the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈskɪzəm/ and the British form is /ˈskɪzəm/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.