dichotomous

adjective

di·​chot·​o·​mous dī-ˈkä-tə-məs 

 also  də-

1

: dividing into two parts

2

: relating to, involving, or proceeding from dichotomy

the plant's dichotomous branching

a dichotomous approach

can't be split into dichotomous categories

dichotomously adverb

dichotomousness noun

Examples of dichotomous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These leaders make the options dichotomous when there is a variety to consider. —Ryan Lahti, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025

To counter this dichotomous thinking, businesses can alleviate customer concerns through transparent privacy programs that build trust between the business, the customer and the tools used. —Jodi Daniels, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025

Sriram herself also makes for an intriguing screen presence in the lead role that speaks to the dichotomous nature of the film. —Esther Zuckerman, IndieWire, 11 Mar. 2025

By Stephanie McNeal January 3, 2025 The hottest accessory of the holiday season is elusive yet attainable, affordable yet hard to find, and has a name that demonstrates its dichotomous nature. —Stephanie McNeal, Glamour, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin dichotomos, borrowed from Greek dichótomos "cut in half, divided equally," from dicho- dicho- + -tomos, adjective derivative from the base of témnein "to cut" — more at tome

First Known Use

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing dichotomous

• dichotomous key

Rhymes for dichotomous

• hippopotamus

Kids Definition

dichotomous

adjective

di·​chot·​o·​mous dī-ˈkät-ə-məs 

1

: dividing into two parts or groups

2

: relating to, involving, or resulting from dichotomy

Medical Definition

dichotomous

adjective

di·​chot·​o·​mous

dī-ˈkät-ə-məs also də-

: dividing into two parts

dichotomous branching

dichotomously adverb