divide
This term carries a dual nature, oscillating between a neutral mechanical action and a socially charged state of conflict. When used physically or mathematically, it is a precise, objective operation of partitioning. However, when applied to people or ideologies, it suggests a rupture in harmony, often implying a painful or intentional breaking of a previously unified whole.
Meanings
To separate a single entity into two or more parts, groups, or sections.
The teacher decided to divide the class into four small groups for the project.
To cause a disagreement or a split between people or groups of people.
The issue of tax reform continues to divide the political parties.
To calculate how many times one number is contained within another.
If you divide twenty by four, you get five.
To disagree with one another regarding a specific topic or decision.
The committee members divided over the proposed budget cuts.
A significant difference or separation between two groups, ideas, or situations.
There is a growing digital divide between urban and rural populations.
Examples
The chef will divide the cake into eight equal slices.
You must divide the total cost by the number of guests.
The new policy threatened to divide the entire organization.
The board members divided over the decision to merge.
There is a sharp social divide between the two neighborhoods.
Collocations & Compounds
digital divide
Noun collocation: the gap between those who have access to modern technology and those who do not
The government is implementing new programs to bridge the digital divide in rural areas.
divide assets
Verb collocation: to split property or money among several people
The couple decided to divide assets equally after their divorce.
divide attention
Verb collocation: to split one's focus between two or more tasks
It is difficult to work effectively when you divide attention between three different projects.
divide the disk
Verb collocation: to split a physical storage drive into separate logical sections
You should divide the disk into two partitions to keep the operating system separate from your data.
divide the drive
Verb collocation: to create separate logical sections on a hard drive
The technician will divide the drive to optimize performance and organization.
Phrasal Verbs
divide up
to split something into smaller parts or shares
We divided up the inheritance equally among the three siblings.
divide off
to separate a specific area or section from a larger space
They used a curtain to divide off a small area for the nursing station.
Idioms & Sayings
divide and conquer
to gain power or control by breaking a larger group into smaller, competing factions
The manager used a divide and conquer strategy to prevent the employees from unionizing.
divide the spoils
to share the profits or benefits gained from a successful but often unfair venture
After the merger, the executives met to divide the spoils of the acquisition.