partir

To split something into two or more pieces, to divide components from a whole, or to break apart. This sense often implies the initiation of a division or separation.

• El cocinero partió el pan en rebanadas finas.
• The chef sliced the bread into thin slices.
• Debemos partir el problema en varias fases para resolverlo.
• We must divide the problem into several phases to solve it.
• El barco se partió en dos tras golpear el arrecife.
• The ship broke in half after hitting the reef.

This noun form, typically used with a definite article (e.g., "el partir"), refers to the act, process, or moment of dividing or separating something. While related to English "division" or "parting", it specifically emphasizes the initial action of splitting or partitioning, especially in formal, technical, or abstract contexts. It can denote the start of a separation, or a structured partition, such as in mathematics where a set is divided into non-overlapping subsets. The most common equivalent in many contexts would be "partición".

• El partir de los glaciares es un claro signo del cambio climático.
• The splitting of glaciers is a clear sign of climate change.
• En matemáticas, el partir de un conjunto en subconjuntos es fundamental.
• In mathematics, the partitioning of a set into subsets is fundamental.
• Desde el partir del día, hemos estado trabajando sin descanso.
• Since the break of day, we have been working tirelessly.