What does "dividing" mean?

1. (splitting into parts) splitting one thing into two or more smaller parts. 2. (sharing or distributing) giving parts of something to different people. 3. (mathematical calculation) calculating how many times one number fits into another. 4. (serving to separate) describing something that acts as a border or wall between two things. 5. (an act of separation) the act of separating things or people into groups.

How do you use "dividing"?

Often used with the preposition 'into'. Commonly followed by 'between' (for two) or 'among' (for more than two). Usually takes the preposition 'by'. Almost always placed immediately before the noun it modifies.

dividing

v. · adj. · n.

US //dɪˈvaɪdɪŋ// UK //dɪvˈaɪdɪŋ// di·vid·ing

1 splitting into parts (v.)
A2 Elementary

splitting one thing into two or more smaller parts.

separating a whole into constituent parts or distinct groups.

Example

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

Example

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'.
- joining
- uniting
2 sharing or distributing (v.)
B1 Intermediate

giving parts of something to different people.

distributing portions of a resource among several recipients.

Example

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

Example

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).
- keeping
- hoarding

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3 mathematical calculation (v.)
A2 Elementary Math

calculating how many times one number fits into another.

performing the mathematical operation of division.

Example

Dividing twenty by four gives you five.

Example

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

Usage

Usually takes the preposition 'by'.
- multiplying
4 serving to separate (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

Example

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

Example

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

Usage

Almost always placed immediately before the noun it modifies.
- separating
- partitioning
- connecting
5 an act of separation (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

the act of separating things or people into groups.

the process or instance of creating a partition or distribution.

Example

The dividing of the land took many months to complete.

Example

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