divided

adjective

di·​vid·​ed də-ˈvī-dəd How to pronounce divided (audio)
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 dividedJames Joyce
dividedly adverb
dividedness noun

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 pilot program, which was announced Tuesday, also includes divided communities in Arcata and South San Francisco. David Garrick, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2024 The GOP leaders said the surge in referrals is a byproduct of divided government, with Republicans controlling the Legislature and a Democrat in the governor's seat. Mary Jo Pitzl, The Arizona Republic, 3 Mar. 2024 The opposition has put pressure on Johnson, who must maneuver a razor-thin and often divided majority in the chamber. Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 3 Mar. 2024 But the vote was much more divided with Republicans, 113 in support and 97 against. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 1 Mar. 2024 This might mean re-evaluating your target demographics, refining your messaging or even rethinking your entire brand positioning to ensure relevance and sensitivity in an increasingly divided world. Bart Caylor, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 But to be a successful progressive voice and advocate at a time when the world is so profoundly divided, Lula has to establish himself as a broker who is intensely focused on finding pragmatic solutions. Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 28 Feb. 2024 In a single day, his divided party failed to pass two measures that prominent Republicans had urgently endorsed: the impeachment of Alejandro Mayorkas, Biden’s Homeland Security Secretary, and a bill to provide Israel with additional military aid. Dexter Filkins, The New Yorker, 19 Feb. 2024 Mario Tama / Getty Images Reporter Alicia Victoria Lozano spoke to others in downtown L.A. who also seemed divided over whether to consider the graffiti art or an eyesore. Elizabeth Robinson, NBC News, 15 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'divided.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of divided was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near divided

Cite this Entry

“Divided.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/divided. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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 partitionLouisiana Civil Code
granted in divided portions
2
: not united : failing to agree
a divided Court

More from Merriam-Webster on divided

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