divided

adjective

di·​vid·​ed də-ˈvī-dəd 

1

a

: separated into parts or pieces

b

of a leaf : cut into distinct parts by incisions extending to the base or to the midrib

c

: having a barrier (such as a guardrail) to separate lanes of traffic going in opposite directions

a divided highway

2

a

: disagreeing with each other : disunited

b

: directed or moved toward conflicting interests, states, or objects

divided loyalties

3

: separated by distance

familiar objects from which she had never dreamed of being divided

—James Joyce

dividedly

də-ˈvī-dəd-lē 

adverb

dividedness

də-ˈvī-dəd-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• disunited
• split

Examples of divided in a Sentence

Experts are sharply divided on the issue.

The issue has created a deeply divided nation.

She feels like she only gets her mother's divided attention.

Recent Examples on the Web

The stock market actually does best with a divided Congress no matter if the president is a Democrat or a Republican (based on data from 1933‒2022, excluding 2001‒2002). —Moneyshow, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024

There are further questions over how such a divided parliament will agree on any legislation, with approval of the 2025 budget looming. —Jenni Reid, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2024

Paris hosted the Games just weeks after France was plunged into deep political tensions, held a snap election and ended up with a divided Parliament. —Josh Feldman, NBC News, 12 Aug. 2024

Clarke is positioning the Liberty not just as a team, but as an integral part of New York's cultural fabric, uniting a city of divided sports loyalties around women’s basketball. —Danielle Chemtob, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing divided

• divided highway
• divided loyalty

Kids Definition

divided

adjective

1

a

: separated into parts or pieces

b

: having a barrier (as a guardrail) to separate lanes of traffic going in opposite directions

a divided highway

2

: disagreeing with each other

divided over the issue

Legal Definition

divided

adjective

di·​vid·​ed

1

a

: separated into parts, classes, or portions

divided coverage

divided custody

b

in the civil law of Louisiana : separately owned, possessed, or held : no longer held in indivision

owner of a divided part or of the entire estate following partition

—Louisiana Civil Code

granted in divided portions

2

: not united : failing to agree

a divided Court