1. A group with distinctive religious beliefs:
* This is the most common meaning of "sect". It refers to a religious group that has split off from a larger, established religion or that has its own distinctive set of beliefs and practices.
* Examples: the Shi'a sect of Islam, the Amish sect of Christianity.
2. A group with distinctive beliefs or practices:
* This meaning is broader than the religious one and can apply to any group that has its own unique set of ideas or ways of doing things.
* Examples: a political sect, a philosophical sect.
3. A faction or subdivision:
* This meaning emphasizes the separation or division within a larger group.
* Examples: "The party was split into two opposing sects."
Important to note:
* The word "sect" can sometimes have negative connotations, implying a group that is closed-minded, dogmatic, or even dangerous.
* However, this is not always the case. Many sects are peaceful and tolerant.
It's always best to consider the context in which the word "sect" is used to understand its specific meaning.