How is the word `schism’ pronounced?

There are different ways of pronouncing the word. Some people pronounce the `sch’ like the `sch’ in `school’, `scholar’, and `scheme’. Others pronounce it like the `s’ in `sit’, `sip’ and `sat’. The `i’ is like the `i’ in `bit’, `hit’ and `sit’, and the following `s’ is like the `z’ in `zip’, `zoo’, and `zero’. The sound that follows the `s’ is like the `a’ in `china’, and the final `m’ is like the `m’ in `monkey’ and `money’. The main stress is on the first syllable.

Schism is a word mostly used in formal contexts. In India, we often see political parties splitting into two. This breaking up of a party or organisation due to differences in beliefs is referred to as `schism’. The word was originally used to refer to a split within the church.

Example: This report says that differing views caused a schism among the members.

Source: ‘Know Your English’ ( The Hindu) – July 10, 2006