# bifurcate

/ˈbaɪfɝˌkeɪt/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/bifurcate
Updated: 2026-07-31

## Definition

to divide or split into two separate branches or parts. You use this when a road, a river, or even a plan breaks into two different directions.

For teachers: to divide or fork into two branches or parts. Often used in technical or formal contexts to describe physical structures or abstract systems that split.

## Examples

- The hiking trail will bifurcate just past the large oak tree.
- The main river begins to bifurcate as it approaches the delta, creating several smaller streams that flow into the sea.
- The legal argument began to bifurcate, with one branch focusing on procedural errors and the other addressing the substantive constitutional challenges raised by the defense.

## Usage notes

- The verb can be used both transitively and intransitively.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.