Subdivide: meaning, definitions and examples

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subdivide

 

[ sʌbdɪˈvaɪd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

urban planning

To divide (an area) into smaller sections, typically for development purposes.

Synonyms

divide, partition, segment.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
subdivide

Used when you need to break something down into smaller parts of an already divided section. It is frequently used in scientific, mathematical, or real estate contexts.

  • The land was subdivided into smaller plots for sale.
  • The data needs to be subdivided for a detailed analysis.
partition

Used when referring to dividing an area or space into distinct sections, often with the use of physical barriers or partitions. It is commonly used in architectural and computing contexts.

  • The office was partitioned with glass walls to provide private workspaces.
  • The hard drive was partitioned to separate the operating system from user files.
segment

Used when referring to dividing something into separate parts or segments, often used in marketing, anatomy, or technical fields. The term emphasizes the distinct sections that can often function independently.

  • The market was segmented based on customer age groups.
  • The worm's body is segmented into multiple sections.
divide

Used when you want to separate something into parts or groups. It is a general term and can be used in many contexts, including mathematical operations, splitting tasks, or discussing social divisions.

  • Let's divide the cake into eight pieces.
  • The teachers decided to divide the students into two groups for the project.

Examples of usage

  • City officials decided to subdivide the land into residential lots.
  • The developer plans to subdivide the property into commercial and residential spaces.
Context #2 | Verb

mathematics

To divide (something) into smaller parts or groups.

Synonyms

break down, separate, split.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
subdivide

Use when you need to divide something into smaller sections or parts, often in a systematic or planned way.

  • The large plot of land was subdivided into smaller parcels for sale
  • The lecture was subdivided into three main topics
break down

Appropriate when referring to analyzing or understanding complex information by dividing it into more simple parts. It can also mean something that stops functioning.

  • Let's break down this problem into more manageable steps
  • The car broke down on the way to work
separate

Used when you need to keep things or people apart, or to distinguish one from another.

  • You should separate the recyclables from the regular trash
  • They decided to separate after five years of marriage
split

Commonly used when dividing something into two or more parts, often implying a more abrupt or clear division. Sometimes it carries a negative connotation if it implies division or conflict.

  • We split the bill evenly among us
  • There's a split in the community over the new policy

Examples of usage

  • We need to subdivide the data into categories for analysis.
  • The students were asked to subdivide the project into manageable tasks.

Translations

Translations of the word "subdivide" in other languages:

🇵🇹 subdividir

🇮🇳 उपविभाजित करना

🇩🇪 unterteilen

🇮🇩 membagi-bagi

🇺🇦 поділяти

🇵🇱 podzielić na mniejsze części

🇯🇵 細分する (saibun suru)

🇫🇷 subdiviser

🇪🇸 subdividir

🇹🇷 alt bölümlere ayırmak

🇰🇷 세분하다 (sebunhada)

🇸🇦 تقسيم إلى أجزاء أصغر (taqsim 'iilaa 'ajza' 'asghar)

🇨🇿 podělit

🇸🇰 rozdeliť na menšie časti

🇨🇳 细分 (xì fēn)

🇸🇮 razdeliti na manjše dele

🇮🇸 skipta niður

🇰🇿 бөлшектеу

🇬🇪 ქვემდებარება (kvemdebureba)

🇦🇿 bölmək

🇲🇽 subdividir

Etymology

The word 'subdivide' originated from the combination of the prefix 'sub-' meaning 'under, below' and the verb 'divide'. It first appeared in the early 17th century in English as a term used in land division and later expanded to various fields including mathematics and urban planning.

See also: dividable, divide, divided, dividend, dividends, divider, dividers, dividing, divisible, division, divisive, divisor, divisors, misdivide, redivide, subdivision, undivided.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,572, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.