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Divided: meaning, definitions and examples

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divided

 

[dɪˈvaɪdɪd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

mathematics

To separate into equal parts or groups.

Synonyms

partition, separate, split.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
divided

Best used when talking about things that are split into parts, often in terms of opinions or resources.

  • The community is divided on the issue of the new park
  • The cake was divided into six equal pieces
separate

Used when talking about keeping things or people apart, or distinguishing between different items or groups.

  • We should separate the recyclable waste from the trash
  • The school system keeps boys and girls in separate classes
split

Typically refers to breaking something into parts, often involving a disagreement or a forceful action.

  • They split the profits equally among all team members
  • The group split over differing political views
partition

Refers to dividing something into parts, especially in a formal or physical sense like walls or sections in a document.

  • The office space was partitioned into smaller cubicles
  • The lawyer suggested partitioning the estate among the heirs

Examples of usage

  • The teacher divided the class into two groups for the activity.
  • She divided the cake into six slices for everyone to share.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To cause to be separate or apart from one another.

Synonyms

isolate, segregate, sever.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
divided

Typically used to describe a situation where something is split into parts or groups, but without a strong connotation. It can be used for both physical and abstract separations, such as opinions or territories.

  • The river divided the country into two regions.
  • The class was divided on the issue of homework.
segregate

Has strong negative connotations and is used to describe the act of separating groups, particularly along racial, societal, or other discriminatory lines.

  • Segregating people based on race is unjust and unethical.
  • The policy was criticized for its segregating effects.
sever

Refers to cutting or breaking off something entirely, often used in a dramatic or final sense. It can be used for physical objects or relationships.

  • The accident severed the power line.
  • They decided to sever their business ties after the disagreement.
isolate

Used when something or someone is set apart from others, often to prevent interaction or spread. It is commonly used in scientific, medical, or social contexts.

  • Doctors decided to isolate the patient with the contagious disease.
  • He felt isolated after moving to the new city.

Examples of usage

  • The issue has divided the community into opposing factions.
  • His controversial comments divided public opinion.
Context #3 | Verb

general

To distribute or share among several or many.

Synonyms

allocate, apportion, distribute.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
divided

Used when something is separated into parts or sections. The term often implies a physical or abstract separation.

  • The cake was divided into eight equal pieces.
  • The country was divided by a mountain range.
distribute

Used when something is given out or handed out over a range of people or places. It often implies a broader or less structured spread.

  • The charity will distribute food to the poor.
  • The teacher will distribute the exam papers.
allocate

Used when assigning or designating resources or responsibilities to specific people, tasks, or purposes. Often used in organizational or financial contexts.

  • The manager will allocate tasks to each team member.
  • The budget was allocated to different departments.
apportion

Used when dividing and distributing something according to a plan or proportion. Often seen in legal, financial, or formal settings.

  • The committee will apportion the funds among the various projects.
  • The lawyer will apportion the estate among the heirs.

Examples of usage

  • They divided the profits equally among the partners.
  • She divided her time between work and family.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'divided' comes from the Latin 'dividere,' meaning to separate or distribute.
  • The prefix 'di-' in Latin means 'two,' reflecting the idea of splitting something into at least two parts.
  • This term has been used in English since the 15th century with a consistent meaning related to separation.

Mathematics

  • In math, when you divide, you are working to find how many times one number is included in another.
  • Division is represented by the symbol '÷' or using a forward slash '/' in algebra, showing the operation clearly.
  • Dividing can create fractions, which are important for understanding parts of a whole.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of being divided is often explored in movies and books, where characters face challenges that split their loyalties.
  • Songs about division usually address themes of separation in relationships, such as heartbreak or conflict.
  • Reality shows often create divisions among contestants, leading to alliances and rivalries on-screen.

Politics

  • Divided societies often reflect different opinions and beliefs, which can lead to debates or conflicts.
  • Political parties use the idea of division to rally supporters, presenting themselves as the solution to a divided society.
  • Election campaigns frequently target voters on either side of a divide to gain support and influence.

Psychology

  • The concept of being divided can also apply to personal identity, where individuals experience inner conflict about their values or beliefs.
  • Divided attention in psychology refers to how well a person can focus on multiple tasks simultaneously.
  • The notion of cognitive dissonance arises when a person's beliefs and actions are divided, creating mental discomfort.

Translations

Translations of the word "divided" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dividido

🇮🇳 विभाजित

🇩🇪 geteilt

🇮🇩 terbagi

🇺🇦 поділений

🇵🇱 podzielony

🇯🇵 分割された

🇫🇷 divisé

🇪🇸 dividido

🇹🇷 bölünmüş

🇰🇷 분할된

🇸🇦 منقسم

🇨🇿 rozdělený

🇸🇰 rozdelený

🇨🇳 分裂的

🇸🇮 razdeljen

🇮🇸 skipt

🇰🇿 бөлінген

🇬🇪 გაყოფილი

🇦🇿 bölünmüş

🇲🇽 dividido

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,344, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.