The word "sect" is spelled with four letters, using the IPA phonetic transcription /sɛkt/. The first sound is the voiceless alveolar fricative /s/, pronounced by pushing air between the tongue and the alveolar ridge. The second sound is the open-mid front unrounded vowel /ɛ/, pronounced by opening the mouth slightly and pulling the tongue forward. The third sound is the voiceless velar plosive /k/, pronounced by closing the back of the throat before releasing a burst of air. The final sound is the voiceless alveolar fricative /t/ again, which makes the word end with a sharp sound.
A sect is a distinct religious or political group that deviates from the beliefs or practices of a larger established group. This term is commonly used in the context of religion, where it refers to a subgroup or division that separates itself from the main body of believers due to differences in interpretation, doctrine, or rituals. Typically, sects advocate for their unique set of principles and teachings, which may be an alternative or a divergent version of the beliefs held by the broader community.
Sects often emerge as a result of disagreement or dissatisfaction with the mainstream ideology. They tend to form their own distinct communities, with their own leaders, places of worship, and modes of operation. Some sects may exhibit an intense devotion to their teachings and practices, while others may adopt more extreme or unconventional ideologies. In many cases, sects are characterized by their loyalty and commitment to their specific set of beliefs, often leading to a tightly-knit community that may isolate itself from wider society.
Sects can be found across various religious traditions, including Christianity, Islam, Judaism, and Buddhism. Additionally, the term is also used in a more general sense to describe any distinct and narrow-minded group within society, such as political sects or cults. It is important to note that the term "sect" does not inherently imply negative connotations, as it simply identifies a subgroup that holds distinct views, practices, and identity within a larger communal or societal structure.
A number of persons united by their attachment to some particular doctrines or tenets, usually in religion or philosophy; a body of persons dissenting from an established church.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "sect" comes from the Latin word "secta", which means "a way, road, or path". In Late Latin, it developed the additional meaning of "school of thought" or "party or faction within a larger group". This Latin term is derived from the verb "sequi", which means "to follow" or "to pursue". The concept of a sect refers to a group of people who follow a specific set of religious, philosophical, or ideological beliefs, often distinguishing themselves from a larger religious or social group. The word "sect" entered the English language in the 14th century.