divided

1 of 2

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

divided

2 of 2

past tense and past participle of divide entry 1

Synonyms of divided

Adjective

• split

Examples of divided in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Adjective

But even with a divided Capitol, the election results put Democrats in a better position headed into January when lawmakers next convene in Austin than any other legislative session in recent memory. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Nov. 2026

Washington will remain in focus, as investors await how a divided government tackles spending on the Iran war, a battle that could result in a government shutdown before the year is out. — Sarah Min, CNBC, 6 Nov. 2026

Iowa voters chose Democrat Rob Sand to be their next governor, flipping the seat Republicans have held for more than two decades and likely ushering in a new era of divided state government. — Arkansas Online, 4 Nov. 2026

Wall Street typically prefers divided government as political gridlock prevents one party from going to extremes. — Jason Ma, Fortune, 4 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

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

Phrases Containing divided

• divided highway
• divided loyalty

Rhymes for divided

• abided
• collided
• confided
• decided
• derided
• elided
• lopsided
• misguided
• nitrided
• presided
• provided
• resided

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