B1verb1K

Divide

UK /["/dɪˈvaɪd/","/dɪˈvaɪdz/","/dɪˈvaɪdɪd/","/dɪˈvaɪdɪŋ/"]/US /["/dɪˈvaɪd/","/dɪˈvaɪdz/","/dɪˈvaɪdɪd/","/dɪˈvaɪdɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to separate into parts; to make something separate into parts

In simple words: To separate something into parts or groups.

Examples

  • It's important to divide the tasks among all team members to ensure efficiency.
  • If you divide 10 by 2, you get 5 as the answer.
  • Their opinions divide the group into two distinct camps.
  • The charity aims to divide its funds equally among several local organizations.
  • To divide a cake, you need a sharp knife and a steady hand.
  • The landscape was divided by a river, creating a natural border.
  • In mathematics, to divide is one of the four basic operations.
  • It is difficult to divide the attention of a child between two activities.

Usage notes

Commonly used in both everyday and academic contexts. It’s appropriate for discussing numbers, ideas, or groups. Less formal contexts might use 'split' instead.

Grammar pattern

divide + object

Memory hint

Think of 'divide' as 'two sides of a pie' being separated.

Collocations

  • broadly
  • roughly
  • exactly
  • into
  • divide in two
  • equally
  • among
  • between
  • equally
  • among
  • between
  • bitterly
  • deeply
  • seriously
  • be divided about something
  • be divided on something
  • be divided over something

Synonyms

  • split up
  • share (3)
  • separate
  • split (3)

Antonyms

  • unite
  • combine
  • merge

Common mistakes

  • 'Divide' is often confused with 'split' but they have different contexts.
  • Learners sometimes forget to use an object, e.g., they say 'I want to divide' but forget what to divide.
  • 'Divided by' is sometimes mixed up with 'divided from.'