divide
/dɪˈvaɪd/
Reviewed on
Also a noun
Meaning
To separate something into two or more parts, sections, or groups.
The teacher divided the class into small study groups for the project.
Can this recipe be divided easily for two people?
To calculate how many times one number is contained within another.
If you divide twenty by four, you get five.
She divided the total bill equally among all six diners.
To cause people to disagree strongly and form opposing groups.
The proposed zoning changes divide the neighborhood into opposing camps.
Has the controversial policy divided the faculty?
How it's used
When this means “separate into parts”
- divide the cake
- divide into groups
“divide it.”
We divided the leftover pizza into four equal slices.
When this means “perform mathematical division”
- divide twenty by four
“divide it by twelve.”
The accountant divided the annual budget by twelve.
When this means “cause disagreement”
- divide the committee
“it divided them.”
The tax hike divided the voters.
Collocations
- divide equally
- divide and conquer
Synonyms
- split
- separate
- alienate
Antonyms
- unite
- multiply
- reconcile
Meaning
A significant difference or disagreement separating two groups.
The digital divide prevents low-income families from accessing online services.
A growing generational divide was evident during the panel discussion.
A high ridge of land that separates two drainage basins.
Water on the western side of the continental divide flows toward the Pacific.
Hikers reached the mountain divide just as the sun set.
Collocations
- digital divide
- cultural divide
- continental divide
Synonyms
- gulf
- chasm