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divide

v. · n.
US //dɪˈvaɪd// UK //dɪvˈaɪd// di·vide
  1. 1 to split into parts (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to split one thing into two or more smaller parts.

    to separate a whole into constituent parts or distinct sections.

    Example

    The river divides the city into two very different neighborhoods.

    Example

    The architect decided to divide the open-plan office using glass partitions to maintain a sense of light while reducing noise levels.
  2. 2 to share (v.)
    A2 Elementary

    to give parts of something to different people.

    to distribute or apportion a whole among several recipients.

    Example

    We should divide the pizza equally so everyone gets two slices.

    Example

    The inheritance was divided among the three siblings according to the specific instructions left in their father's will.
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  1. 3 mathematics (v.)
    A2 Elementary Math

    to find out how many times one number fits into another.

    to perform the mathematical operation of determining how many times a divisor is contained within a dividend.

    Example

    If you divide twelve by three, the answer is four.

    Example

    The software is programmed to divide the total revenue by the number of active users to calculate the average profit per person.
  2. 4 to cause disagreement (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to make people disagree or argue with each other.

    to cause a group of people to become disunited or hostile due to differing opinions.

    Example

    The new law continues to divide the public into two angry groups.

    Example

    The controversial proposal to build a highway through the national park deeply divided the local community.
  3. 5 biology (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

    when a living cell splits to make new cells.

    of a biological cell, to undergo mitosis or meiosis to reproduce.

    Example

    Bacteria can divide very quickly in warm conditions.

    Example

    The researchers observed the cancer cells as they began to divide uncontrollably under the microscope.
  4. 6 a big difference (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a large difference or disagreement between two groups of people.

    a significant difference or separation between two groups, often regarding wealth, culture, or politics.

    Example

    There is a growing divide between people living in the city and those in the country.

    Example

    The digital divide remains a major hurdle for students in rural areas who lack reliable high-speed internet access.
  5. 7 geography (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    a high line of land, like a ridge, that separates where rivers flow.

    a ridge of high land that separates two different river systems or drainage basins.

    Example

    The Continental Divide determines whether water flows toward the Atlantic or the Pacific.

    Example

    The expedition struggled to cross the mountain divide before the first heavy snows of the season blocked the pass.
Origin

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *dews-? Proto-Indo-European *dus- Proto-Indo-European *dwóh₁ Proto-Indo-European *dwi- Proto-Indo-European *dwóh₁ Proto-Indo-European *dwís Latin dis- ▲ Proto-Indo-European *dwi- Proto-Indo-European *dʰeh₁- Proto-Indo-European *h₁weydʰh₁-der. Proto-Italic *wiðō Latin *vidō Latin dīvidōder. Middle English dividen English divide PIE word *dwóh₁ From Middle English dividen, from Latin dīvidere (“to divide”). Displaced native Old English tōdǣlan.

Word family

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