ENGLISH
REFERENCE

divide

n. countable
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //dɪˈvaɪd// UK //dɪvˈaɪd// di·vide Archaic General-service

n. a big difference between two groups of people or things. It often describes a gap in opinions, money, or lifestyle that makes it hard for people to agree.

n. a significant difference or separation between two groups, ideas, or areas. Often used to describe social, political, or economic disparities that prevent unity.


SIMPLE

There is a growing divide between the city and the countryside.

CONTEXTUAL

The new policy failed to address the digital divide between students who have internet access and those who do not.

COMPLEX

The cultural divide between the two neighboring regions has narrowed significantly since the introduction of the high-speed rail link and shared educational initiatives.

Synonyms
Antonyms
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.

Usage

Often used with the definite article 'the' and followed by the preposition 'between'.

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