D
Dicread
HomeDictionaryDdivide

divide

divide
Transitive VerbIntransitive VerbNoun
pl: dividespast: dividedpp: divideding: dividing

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

Transitive Verbdivide
[~ something into something][~ something and something]

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.

Transitive Verbdivide
[~ someone and someone][~ something and something]

To cause a disagreement or a split between people or groups of people.

The issue of tax reform continues to divide the political parties.

Transitive Verbdivide
[~ something by something]

To calculate how many times one number is contained within another.

If you divide twenty by four, you get five.

Intransitive Verbdivide
[~ over something][~ on something]

To disagree with one another regarding a specific topic or decision.

The committee members divided over the proposed budget cuts.

Noundivide

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

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

Phrasal Verbs

divide up

to split something into smaller parts or shares

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.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin dividere, a compound of dis- meaning apart and videre meaning to separate, which entered Middle English via Old French.

Related Words

splitseparatepartitionsegmentbisectdetachunitecombinejoinmergeunifyconnectdivisiondivisordividendquotientboundaryschismgapfraction
Last Updated: May 2026Report an Error