Subdividing: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the prefix 'sub-' meaning 'under' and 'divide', which means to cut or separate.
• Its roots can be traced back to Latin, where 'subdividere' translates to 'to divide below'.
• The use of 'subdivide' in English dates back to the late 15th century, reflecting changes in language and society.

Urban Planning

• In urban development, subdividing land is a crucial step for creating residential neighborhoods, allowing better management of space.
• Zoning laws often require subdivisions to provide public amenities like parks or roads, fostering community development.
• The trend of subdividing large properties for housing has increased in response to growing populations and urban sprawl.

Mathematics

• In geometry, subdividing shapes into smaller parts helps in calculating areas and understanding geometric properties.
• In computer graphics, subdividing polygons improves the detail of models, making them smoother and more realistic.
• Fractals are an example where shapes are subdivided repeatedly to create complex patterns, demonstrating infinity in mathematics.

Psychology

• Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable parts (subdividing) can reduce feelings of overwhelm and improve focus.
• In cognitive psychology, subdividing information into chunks aids memory retention and recall, making learning more efficient.
• Therapists often use subdividing goals into smaller steps to help clients achieve personal development without feeling daunted.

Art and Design

• In art, subdividing space within a composition can create balance and harmony, guiding the viewer’s eye.
• Artists may subdivide canvases into grids to better proportion their work and enhance geometric precision.
• The technique of subdividing color into smaller shades and tones can lead to a richer, more nuanced palette in painting.

At rank #26,470, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

• ...
• 26467 padlock
• 26468 kaleidoscope
• 26469 dished
• 26470 subdividing
• 26471 precipitously
• 26472 swathed
• 26473 spattered
• ...