divide

divideverb

To divide is to make one thing into two or more parts: to cut it, share it out, split a number, keep two areas apart, or split people into groups who disagree.

1. into partsseparate something into parts or groups, or become separated in this way

   transitive or intransitive [T/I] verb + object + preposition + object [V + obj + prep + obj] verb + object [V + obj] verb + adverb or preposition [V + adv/prep]

   • Divide the dough into four equal pieces. V + obj + prep + obj
   • The teacher divided the class into three groups. V + obj + prep + obj
   • The road divides just after the bridge.
   • The students divided into pairs. V + adv/prep

   Collocations

   verb + preposition divide into something, divide something in half, divide something in two

   verb + adverb divide something equally, divide something evenly

   Compare split; separate

2. shareseparate something into parts and give a part to each person

   transitive [T] verb + object + preposition + object [V + obj + prep + obj] verb + object + adverb [V + obj + adv]

   • They divided the money between them. V + obj + prep + obj
   • We divided the work among the four of us. V + obj + prep + obj
   • The land was divided up among the three children. V + obj + adv (passive)

   Collocations

   verb + preposition divide something between people, divide something among people

   phrase divide something up

   Synonyms share

3. numbersfind how many times one number fits into another

   transitive or intransitive [T/I] verb + object + preposition + object [V + obj + prep + obj] verb + preposition + object [V + prep + obj] mathematics

   • If you divide 12 by 3, you get 4. V + obj + prep + obj
   • Divide the total by the number of people. V + obj + prep + obj
   • Children learn to add, subtract, multiply, and divide.
   • Three divides into twelve four times. V + prep + obj

   Collocations

   verb + preposition divide something by something, divide into something

   Antonyms multiply

4. people disagreemake people disagree so that they form groups that are against each other

   transitive [T] verb + object [V + obj] usually passive [usually passive]

   • The question of the new road has divided the town. V + obj
   • The team was divided over who should be captain. usually passive (passive)

   Collocations

   adverb + verb bitterly divide, sharply divide

   phrase be deeply divided, be divided over something, be divided on something

   Antonyms unite

5. be betweenbe the line or wall between two areas and keep them apart

   transitive [T] verb + object + preposition + object [V + obj + prep + obj] verb + object [V + obj]

   • A low wall divides our garden from the street. V + obj + prep + obj
   • A narrow river divides the old town from the new one. V + obj + prep + obj

   Collocations

   phrase divide something from something

   Synonyms separate