dichotomy
n. countablen. a division between two things that are completely different or opposite. You use this word when you want to show that two ideas are totally separate and cannot be the same.
n. a division or contrast between two things that are represented as being opposed or entirely different. Often implies a binary classification where no middle ground exists.
There is a clear dichotomy between his public and private life.
The debate centered on the false dichotomy between economic growth and environmental protection.
Scholars have long examined the dichotomy between nature and nurture, though modern research suggests the two are more deeply intertwined than previously thought.
From Ancient Greek διχοτομία (dikhotomía, “dichotomy”).
Often used with the preposition 'between' to link the two opposing concepts.
the dichotomy of A and Bthe dichotomy between A and BWhile 'of' is sometimes used, 'between' is the standard preposition for establishing the contrast between two distinct entities.