What does "divided" mean?

1. (split into parts) separated into two or more parts or pieces. 2. (disagreeing) used to describe a group of people who have different opinions and cannot agree. 3. (road with a median) a road that has a barrier or grass in the middle to separate traffic going in opposite directions.

divided

adj.

US //dɪˈvaɪdɪd// UK //dɪvˈaɪdɪd// di·vid·ed

1 split into parts (adj.)
A2 Elementary

separated into two or more parts or pieces.

separated or partitioned into distinct sections or components.

Example

The large pizza was already divided into eight equal slices.

Example

The garden was divided into several distinct zones, each featuring a different variety of native flora to encourage local biodiversity.
2 disagreeing (adj.)
B1 Intermediate

used to describe a group of people who have different opinions and cannot agree.

characterised by conflicting opinions, interests, or loyalties among members of a group.

Example

The committee was divided on whether to spend the money now or wait.

Example

Public opinion remained sharply divided regarding the new tax legislation, with urban and rural voters expressing fundamentally different concerns.
- disunited
- conflicted
- clashing

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3 road with a median (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate American English

a road that has a barrier or grass in the middle to separate traffic going in opposite directions.

referring to a highway or road separated into lanes for opposing traffic by a median strip.

Example

Be careful when turning left onto the divided highway.

Example

The project involves converting the existing two-lane route into a divided four-lane expressway to improve safety and reduce congestion.
- dual carriageway

Etymology 1

From divide.

Etymology 2

From Middle English divided, devided, devidid, past participle of Middle English dividen (“to divide”), equivalent to divide + -ed.