dichotomous

adjective

di·​chot·​o·​mous dī-ˈkä-tə-məs 

 also  də-

1

: dividing into two contradictory or contrasting parts or groups

2

: relating to, involving, or proceeding from dichotomy

the limitations of a dichotomous worldview

All forms of cultural evolution, language included, are devilishly intricate networks, not orderly systems of dichotomous branching.

—Stephen Jay Gould

… many pollsters provide only two possible answers to a question …, eliminating the central tendency and artificially reducing a spectrum of responses towards dichotomous poles.

—Jeffrey Sonnenfeld and Steven Tian

dichotomously adverb

dichotomousness noun

Examples of dichotomous in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Risk leaders: the new connection-makers Merging these dichotomous worlds is no easy task – which is where risk leaders come in. —Lisa Caldwell, Forbes.com, 16 July 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