divide

[[t]dɪva͟ɪd[/t]]

♦♦

divides, dividing, divided

1) V-ERG When people or things are divided or divide into smaller groups or parts, they become separated into smaller parts.

[be V-ed into pl-n] The physical benefits of exercise can be divided into three factors...

[V n into pl-n] It will be easiest if we divide them into groups...

[V n in fraction] Divide the pastry in half and roll out each piece...

[V into pl-n] We divide into pairs and each pair takes a region...

Bacteria reproduce by dividing and making copies of themselves. [Also V n]

Syn:

split

2) VERB If you divide something among people or things, you separate it into several parts or quantities which you distribute to the people or things.

[V n between/among pl-n] Paul divides most of his spare time between the study and his bedroom...

[V n between/among pl-n] Divide the sauce among 4 bowls. [Also V n]

3) VERB If you divide a larger number by a smaller number or divide a smaller number into a larger number, you calculate how many times the smaller number can fit exactly into the larger number.

[V n by/into num] Measure the floor area of the greenhouse and divide it by six.

4) VERB If a border or line divides two areas or divides an area into two, it keeps the two areas separate from each other.

[V n] ...remote border areas dividing Tamil and Muslim settlements.

[V n] ...the artificial line that divides the city.

[V n from n] ...the long frontier dividing Mexico from the United States. [Also V n into pl-n]

Syn:

separate

5) V-ERG If people divide over something or if something divides them, it causes strong disagreement between them.

[V n] She has done more to divide the Conservatives than anyone else...

[V-ed] The democrats are divided over whether to admit him into their group...

[V prep] The party is as likely to divide along national lines as along ideological lines. [Also V n prep]

Ant:

unite

6) N-COUNT: usu sing, usu with supp A divide is a significant distinction between two groups, often one that causes conflict.

...a deliberate attempt to create a Hindu-Muslim divide in India.

Syn:

gulf, rift

7) N-COUNT: usu sing, usu with supp A divide is a moment in time or a point in a process when there is a complete change from one situation to another.

The time had come to cross the great divide between formality and truth.

Syn:

watershed

8) N-COUNT A divide is a line of high ground between areas that are drained by different rivers. [AM]

(in BRIT, usually use watershed)

9) PHRASE (disapproval) You use divide and rule to refer to a policy which is intended to keep someone in a position of power by causing disagreements between people who might otherwise unite against them.

The government's policies of divide and rule have only contributed to the volatility of the region.

Phrasal Verbs:

- divide off

- divide up