section

section

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Pronunciation

section

• IPA: /ˈsɛkʃən/

• Syllable Breakdown:

• • /sɛk/

• • /ʃən/

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Word Form Variations

• Singular Noun: section

• Plural Noun: sections

• Verb (base form): section

• Verb (third-person singular present): sections

• Verb (present participle): sectioning

• Verb (past tense/past participle): sectioned

• Adjective: sectional (derived from "section," often implying relating to or consisting of sections)

• Adverb: sectionally (derived from "sectional")

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Noun

1. A distinct part or portion of something larger, often defined by a boundary, purpose, or characteristic.

• Synonyms: segment, part, division, piece, portion, unit, component

• Antonyms: whole, entirety, aggregate, totality

• Example: "The book was divided into three main sections."

2. A designated area or department within a larger organization, establishment, or place.

• Synonyms: department, unit, division, branch, bureau, ward (in a hospital)

• Antonyms: (No direct antonyms for this specific nuance, as it refers to a part of a whole organization)

• Example: "Please report to the human resources section for your interview."

3. In biology or anatomy, a thin slice of tissue or a part of an organ, prepared for microscopic examination.

• Synonyms: slice, cut, cross-section

• Antonyms: (No direct antonyms)

• Example: "The scientist examined the lung section under the microscope."

4. A specific paragraph, clause, or part within a written document, law, or agreement.

• Synonyms: clause, paragraph, article, passage, part, chapter

• Antonyms: (No direct antonyms)

• Example: "Refer to section 4.2 of the contract for details."

Verb

1. To divide or separate something into distinct parts or portions.

• Synonyms: divide, separate, cut, segment, partition, dissect

• Antonyms: unite, combine, merge, consolidate, join

• Example: "They decided to section off the room for the party."

2. In a medical or scientific context, to cut or prepare a specimen into thin slices for examination.

• Synonyms: slice, dissect, cut

• Antonyms: (No direct antonyms)

• Example: "The lab technician sectioned the tissue sample for analysis."

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Examples of Use

• Books:

• "The author dedicated an entire section of his latest novel to exploring the protagonist's childhood in rural Ireland."

• "Readers interested in medieval history will find the appendix section particularly insightful for its detailed maps and genealogies."

• Newspapers:

• "The city council voted last night to approve the rezoning of a commercial section of downtown for residential development." ( The Daily Chronicle)

• "In the sports section of today's paper, there's a compelling analysis of the upcoming football season."

• Online Publications:

• "Our website features a dedicated 'Advice' section where readers can submit questions and receive expert answers." ( LifeHacks.com)

• "The new online report highlights significant economic growth in the technology section of the market."

• Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• Film Review: "While the first section of the film dragged slightly, the final act delivered a truly gripping climax."

• Music Album (Tracklist): "The album is informally divided into three thematic sections, with 'Ocean Blues' beginning the second section."

• Video Game: "Players must navigate a treacherous cave section filled with challenging puzzles and formidable enemies."

• Podcast: "In this week's episode, we'll be discussing the 'current events' section and offering our perspectives on recent global happenings." ( The World Today Podcast)

• General Public Discourse:

• "Could you please move your car? You're parked in the no-parking section of the street."

• "The new regulations will disproportionately affect a particular section of the community."

• "We need to thoroughly clean this section of the house before the guests arrive."

• "During the concert, the orchestra's string section delivered a breathtaking performance."

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10 Quotes Using Section

1. "The most important section of the brain is the section where you have no fear." (Unknown)

2. "A society grows great when old men plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in; so a section of society must look to the future." (Inspired by a Greek proverb, adapted)

3. "Every section of society has a duty to contribute to the common good." (Original)

4. "We must ensure that every section of our community feels heard and represented." (Original)

5. "The architecture of the building was intricate, with each section flowing seamlessly into the next." (Original)

6. "He dedicated a large section of his life to humanitarian work." (Original)

7. "The final section of the symphony was particularly moving." (Original)

8. "In this section of the report, we will outline our key findings." (Original)

9. "The library has an extensive section on local history." (Original)

10. "The doctor examined a small section of the tissue under the microscope." (Original)

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Etymology

The word "section" comes from the Latin word "sectio." Imagine you're cutting something. "Sectio" directly means "a cutting" or "a dividing." It comes from the past participle stem of the Latin verb "secare," which means "to cut."

So, essentially, the core idea behind "section" has always been about cutting or dividing something into parts.

The first known use of "section" in English, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, was around the mid-14th century. At that time, its primary meaning was "the action of cutting or dividing" or "a part cut off." It was also used to refer to a cut or incision, especially in anatomy. Over time, its meaning broadened to include any distinct part or division of a larger whole, whether physically cut or conceptually separated.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Section

Phrases and Idioms with "Section":

1. Cross-section: A sample or representation of a whole, often illustrating its various parts or characteristics. (e.g., "The survey provided a good cross-section of public opinion.")

2. To section off: To divide an area into separate parts, often with a barrier. (e.g., "They decided to section off the dining room for a private event.")

3. A section of society/the community: A particular group or demographic within a larger population. (e.g., "This policy aims to benefit a disadvantaged section of society.")

4. In sections: Divided into multiple parts that can be joined or assembled. (e.g., "The flat-pack furniture came in sections.")

5. Reading section: A portion of a text or document intended for reading. (e.g., "Please review the financial section of the report.")

6. The business section: The part of a newspaper or publication dedicated to business news.

7. To section something out: To carefully separate or extract a part from a whole. (e.g., "The editor had to section out the irrelevant paragraphs.")

8. To be sectioned (UK, informal, medical): To be involuntarily committed to a psychiatric hospital under a specific mental health act. (e.g., "He was sectioned for his own safety.")

Lesser-Known/Original Phrases and Idioms with "Section" or Synonyms:

1. A clean section: A distinct and well-defined division, without ambiguity. (Original)

2. To sever a section: To forcefully detach a part. (Using synonym "sever" for "cut")

3. The lion's share (of a section): The largest portion. (Idiom using synonym "share")

4. A mere fraction of a section: A very small part of an already small part. (Original, emphasizing smallness)

5. To break bread in separate sections: To socialize or eat separately from a group. (Original, metaphorical)

6. To compartmentalize a section: To strictly separate and manage a part. (Using synonym "compartmentalize")

7. A slice of the pie (as a section): A share or portion of something desirable. (Idiom using synonym "slice")

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of section from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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