Divided
/dɪˈvaɪdɪd/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo separate something into parts, or to split or share something among multiple entities.
/dɪˈvaɪd/
To separate into parts or sections.
The teacher divided the students into groups.
💡 Simply: When you divide something, it's like cutting it up into smaller pieces or sharing it with friends. If you divide a cake, everyone gets a slice! If you divide a problem, it's easier to solve.
👶 For kids: To share something between two or more people or things, like cutting a cake into pieces.
More Examples
The money was divided equally among the siblings.
The river divides the two countries.
How It's Used
"20 divided by 4 equals 5."
"The country is divided over the new legislation."
"The cake was divided among the guests."
Split into two or more parts or pieces; separated.
/dɪˈvaɪdɪd/
Separated into parts or sections.
The country was deeply divided on the issue of immigration.
💡 Simply: Imagine a room where people are on different sides, maybe arguing. The room is 'divided'. It means things aren't all together.
👶 For kids: When things are in different parts, like a sandwich cut in half.
More Examples
The class was divided into two teams for the game.
Their opinions on the matter were divided.
How It's Used
"The divided nation struggled to find common ground."
"A divided family experienced a difficult holiday season."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
divide and conquer
A strategy used to gain and maintain power by breaking up larger concentrations of power into smaller, more manageable units, which are then controlled individually.
"The general used a divide-and-conquer strategy to weaken the enemy's defenses."
a house divided against itself
A group of people whose members disagree with each other cannot succeed.
"With all their infighting, the team became a house divided against itself and failed to win the championship."
From Middle English *dividen*, from Old French *diviser* (to divide), from Latin *dīvidere* (to divide, separate), from *dis-* (apart) + *vīdere* (to separate).
The word 'divided' has been used in English since the 13th century, originating from the Old French word 'diviser'. Initially, it was used to describe the act of separating or splitting something.
Memory tip
Imagine a pizza being divided into slices.
Word Origin
"to divide, separate"