The Spanish word 'sectarismo' (meaning 'sectarianism') has its roots in the Latin verb 'sequi' meaning 'to follow'. From this verb came the Latin noun 'secta', which meant 'following' or 'school of thought'. This then developed into the Latin adjective 'sectarius' meaning 'belonging to a sect', which evolved into the Spanish word 'sectario' (sectarian). Finally, by adding the Spanish suffix '-ismo' (which forms abstract nouns), we get 'sectarismo', referring to the practice or ideology of sectarianism.

A simpler and more common related Spanish word is 'secta' (meaning 'sect' or 'cult'), which comes directly from the Latin 'secta'. Another related word is 'sectario' (meaning 'sectarian'), which is actually the base word from which 'sectarismo' was formed. Understanding these connections can help you see how all these words relate to the concept of following or belonging to a particular group or school of thought.

English speakers might recognize the connection to words like 'sect', 'sectarian', and 'sectarianism', which share the same Latin roots. The English word 'sequel' also comes from the Latin 'sequi' (to follow), as it refers to something that follows after something else. Similarly, the word 'sequence' (a following of one thing after another) comes from the same Latin root. These connections show how the basic concept of 'following' developed into various related meanings in both Spanish and English.