Spilt vs. Split — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 3, 2024
Spilt is the past tense of "spill," used to indicate something has been accidentally poured out, while split refers to dividing something into parts.
Difference Between Spilt and Split
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Key Differences
Spilt specifically relates to the past action of liquid or small particles being accidentally poured or scattered, commonly used in British English. Whereas split describes the action of breaking or cutting something into separate parts, often used in both physical and metaphorical contexts.
When someone says they've spilt something, they're usually referring to a mishap involving liquids like water, milk, or oil. On the other hand, split can refer to various acts of division, such as splitting wood, dividing groups into teams, or ending a relationship.
The usage of spilt is more restricted in scope, primarily concerning accidents. Meanwhile, split has diverse applications, extending from physical items being divided to abstract concepts like opinions or groups.
Spilt is less frequently used in American English, where "spilled" is the preferred past tense of "spill." Conversely, split is universally recognized in both British and American English, showing no variation in usage due to regional differences.
Understanding the context in which spilt and split are used can clarify their meanings; spilt always involves accidental scenarios, while split can be either intentional or accidental, depending on the situation.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Past tense of a verb
Past tense and participle
Usage Context
Accidental, liquid-related
Division, broad contexts
Common Associations
Spilled milk, spilt water
Splitting wood, split decision
Regional Preference
Preferred in British English
Universal in both British and American English
Intentionality
Always accidental
Can be intentional or accidental
Compare with Definitions
Spilt
Past tense of spill, used for liquids or small particles.
He spilt coffee on his shirt during breakfast.
Split
To divide something into parts.
They decided to split the bill at the restaurant.
Spilt
Loss of control over liquids.
Water spilt over the edge of the full glass.
Split
To end a relationship.
They split after five years of marriage.
Spilt
Resulting in a mess.
The floor was messy after he spilt sugar everywhere.
Split
To separate into groups.
The teacher split the students into two teams.
Spilt
Used metaphorically.
He spilt his thoughts without thinking.
Split
To leave or depart, especially quickly.
We should split before the traffic gets worse.
Spilt
To accidentally pour out.
She spilt the beans while cooking.
Split
Used for breaking or cracking.
The log split cleanly with a sharp axe.
Spilt
A past tense and a past participle of spill1.
Split
To divide (something) from end to end, into layers, or along the grain
Split the log down the middle.
Spilt
That has been spilled.
Don't cry over spilt milk; tears won't put it back in the glass.
Split
Divided.
Republicans appear split on the centerpiece of Mr. Obama's economic recovery plan.
Spilt
Simple past tense and past participle of spill
Split
Having the middle group equal to the direct product of the others.
Split
(of coffee) Comprising half decaffeinated and half caffeinated espresso.
Split
Divided so as to be done or executed part at one time or price and part at another time or price.
Split
Given in sixteenths rather than eighths.
Split
(London stock exchange) Designating ordinary stock that has been divided into preferred ordinary and deferred ordinary.
Split
A crack or longitudinal fissure.
Split
A breach or separation, as in a political party; a division.
Split
A piece that is split off, or made thin, by splitting; a splinter; a fragment.
Split
(leather manufacture) One of the sections of a skin made by dividing it into two or more thicknesses.
Split
A maneuver of spreading or sliding the feet apart until the legs are flat on the floor 180 degrees apart, either sideways to the body or with one leg in front and one behind, thus lowering the body completely to the floor in an upright position.
Split
(bodybuilding) A workout routine as seen by its distribution of muscle groups or the extent and manner they are targeted in a microcycle.
Bro split
Split
A split-finger fastball.
He’s got a nasty split.
Split
(bowling) A result of a first throw that leaves two or more pins standing with one or more pins between them knocked down.
Split
A split shot or split stroke.
Split
A dessert or confection resembling a banana split.
Split
A unit of measure used for champagne or other spirits: 18.75 centiliters or one quarter of a standard 75-centiliter bottle. Commercially comparable to 20 (US) gallon, which is 2 of a fifth.
Split
A bottle of wine containing 37.5 centiliters, half the volume of a standard 75-centiliter bottle; a demi.
Split
(athletics) The elapsed time at specific intermediate points in a race.
In the 3000 m race, his 800 m split was 1:45.32
Split
(video games) The elapsed time at specific intermediate points in a speedrun.
Split
(construction) A tear resulting from tensile stresses.
Split
(gambling) A division of a stake happening when two cards of the kind on which the stake is laid are dealt in the same turn.
Split
(music) A recording containing songs by multiple artists.
Split
To divide fully or partly along a more or less straight line.
He has split his lip.
Split
To break along the grain fully or partly along a more or less straight line.
Split
(transitive) To share; to divide.
We split the money among three people.
Split
To leave.
Let's split this scene and see if we can find a real party.
Split
To separate.
Did you hear Dick and Jane split? They'll probably get a divorce.
Split
(ambitransitive) To (cause to) break up; to throw into discord.
Accusations of bribery split the party just before the election.
Split
To factor into linear factors.
Split
To be broken; to be dashed to pieces.
Split
(intransitive) To burst out laughing.
Split
To divulge a secret; to betray confidence; to peach.
Split
For both teams involved in a doubleheader to win one game each and lose another.
Boston split with Philadelphia in a doubleheader, winning the first game 3-1 before losing 2-0 in the nightcap.
Split
To vote for candidates of opposite parties.
Split
To divide lengthwise; to separate from end to end, esp. by force; to divide in the direction of the grain or layers; to rive; to cleave; as, to split a piece of timber or a board; to split a gem; to split a sheepskin.
Cold winter split the rocks in twain.
Split
To burst; to rupture; to rend; to tear asunder.
A huge vessel of exceeding hard marble split asunder by congealed water.
Split
To divide or break up into parts or divisions, as by discord; to separate into parts or parties, as a political party; to disunite.
Split
To divide or separate into components; - often used with up; as, to split up sugar into alcohol and carbonic acid.
Split
To part asunder; to be rent; to burst; as, vessels split by the freezing of water in them.
Split
To be broken; to be dashed to pieces.
The ship splits on the rock.
Split
To separate into parties or factions.
Split
To burst with laughter.
Each had a gravity would make you split.
Split
To divulge a secret; to betray confidence; to peach.
Split
To divide one hand of blackjack into two hands; - a strategy allowed to a player when the first two cards dealt to the player have the same value.
Split
To leave; to depart (from a place or gathering); as, let's split.
Split
A crack, rent, or longitudinal fissure.
Split
A breach or separation, as in a political party; a division.
Split
A piece that is split off, or made thin, by splitting; a splinter; a fragment.
Split
One of the sections of a skin made by dividing it into two or more thicknesses.
Split
A division of a stake happening when two cards of the kind on which the stake is laid are dealt in the same turn.
Split
Any of the three or four strips into which osiers are commonly cleft for certain kinds of work; - usually in pl.
Split
Short for Split shot or split stroke.
Split
The feat of going down to the floor so that the legs extend in a straight line, either with one on each side or with one in front and the other behind.
Split
A small bottle (containing about half a pint) of some drink; - so called as containing half the quantity of the customary smaller commercial size of bottle; also, a drink of half the usual quantity; a half glass.
Split
The substitution of more than one share of a corporation's stock for one share. The market price of the stock usually drops in proportion to the increase in outstanding shares of stock. The split may be in any ratio, as, a two-for-one split; a three-for-two split.
Split
Divided; cleft.
Split
Divided deeply; cleft.
Split
Divided so as to be done or executed part at one time or price and part at another time or price; - said of an order, sale, etc.
Split
Extending the legs at right angles to the trunks (one in front and the other in back)
Split
A bottle containing half the usual amount
Split
A promised or claimed share of loot or money;
He demanded his split before they disbanded
Split
A lengthwise crack in wood;
He inserted the wedge into a split in the log
Split
An opening made forcibly as by pulling apart;
There was a rip in his pants
She had snags in her stockings
Split
An old Croatian city on the Adriatic Sea
Split
A dessert of sliced fruit and ice cream covered with whipped cream and cherries and nuts
Split
(tenpin bowling) a divided formation of pins left standing after the first bowl;
He was winning until he got a split in the tenth frame
Split
An increase in the number of outstanding shares of a corporation without changing the shareholders' equity;
They announced a two-for-one split of the common stock
Split
The act of rending or ripping or splitting something;
He gave the envelope a vigorous rip
Split
Division of a group into opposing factions;
Another schism like that and they will wind up in bankruptcy
Split
Separate into parts or portions;
Divide the cake into three equal parts
The British carved up the Ottoman Empire after World War I
Split
Separate or cut with a tool, such as a sharp instrument;
Cleave the bone
Split
Discontinue an association or relation; go different ways;
The business partners broke over a tax question
The couple separated after 25 years of marriage
My friend and I split up
Split
Go one's own away; move apart;
The friends separated after the party
Split
Break open or apart suddenly;
The bubble burst
Split
Being divided or separated;
Split between love and hate
Split
Having been divided; having the unity destroyed;
Congress...gave the impression of...a confusing sum of disconnected local forces
A league of disunited nations
A fragmented coalition
A split group
Split
Broken or burst apart longitudinally;
After the thunderstorm we found a tree with a split trunk
They tore big juicy chunks from the heart of the split watermelon
Split
Having a long rip or tear;
A split lip
Split
(especially of wood) cut or ripped longitudinally with the grain;
We bought split logs for the fireplace
Common Curiosities
What are examples of physical actions that can be described with 'split'?
Splitting wood, dividing a piece of paper, or breaking something into parts.
What is the primary context for using 'spilt'?
Spilt is primarily used in contexts involving accidental pouring of liquids.
What is the significance of 'split' in decision-making?
It can refer to divided opinions or indecisiveness, like a "split decision."
Can 'spilt' and 'split' be used interchangeably?
No, because they refer to different actions and contexts.
Does 'spilt' imply intent?
No, spilt always implies an accidental action.
Can 'split' be used in emotional contexts?
Yes, split can describe emotional separations, like ending relationships.
Is 'spilt' commonly used in American English?
Spilt is less common in American English, where "spilled" is preferred.
How does 'split' differ when used in group dynamics?
It refers to dividing groups into smaller sections or teams.
Is 'spilt' used metaphorically?
Yes, but less commonly, such as in "spilt secrets."
Which verb is versatile, 'spilt' or 'split'?
Split is more versatile and used in a variety of contexts.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
