English Reference
verb · adjective · noun

dividing

v. · adj. · n.
US /dɪˈvaɪdɪŋ/ UK /dɪvˈaɪdɪŋ/ di·vid·ing

  1. 01 A2 Elementary

    v.splitting one thing into two or more smaller parts.

    v.separating a whole into constituent parts or distinct groups.

    Simple

    They are dividing the large cake into ten equal slices for the party.

    In context

    The researchers are dividing the participants into three distinct cohorts based on their previous exposure to the language.

    Usage

    Often used with the preposition 'into'.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate

    v.giving parts of something to different people.

    v.distributing portions of a resource among several recipients.

    Simple

    The children were dividing the toys among themselves so everyone could play.

    In context

    The committee spent the afternoon dividing the remaining budget among the various community projects.

    Usage

    Commonly followed by 'between' (for two) or 'among' (for more than two).

  3. 03 A2 Elementary Math

    v.calculating how many times one number fits into another.

    v.performing the mathematical operation of division.

    Simple

    Dividing twenty by four gives you five.

    In context

    When dividing large numbers without a calculator, many students prefer using the long division method.

    Usage

    Usually takes the preposition 'by'.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.describing something that acts as a border or wall between two things.

    adj.functioning as a partition or boundary between two areas or entities.

    Simple

    The dividing wall between the two gardens was covered in green plants.

    In context

    The river serves as a natural dividing line between the two warring provinces.

    Usage

    Almost always placed immediately before the noun it modifies.

  5. 05 C1 Advanced Formal

    n.the act of separating things or people into groups.

    n.the process or instance of creating a partition or distribution.

    Simple

    The dividing of the land took many months to complete.

    In context

    The sudden dividing of the company into smaller units caused significant confusion among the long-term employees.

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Frequent
Updated