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

Expecting an easy ride, Tom discovers a divided nation and a class of unteachable students. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 28 Mar. 2025

But in a deeply divided nation, Parliament’s decision to impeach him has also galvanized the political right. —Choe Sang-Hun, New York Times, 22 Mar. 2025

Unfortunately this topic of COVID origins has become a contentious and hyperpartisan issue, leading to further polarization of our divided country and to scapegoating and threatening of scientists. —Alice Park, TIME, 20 Mar. 2025

However, Uso's path to this title opportunity, secured by his 2025 Royal Rumble victory, has been met with a divided response from WWE fans. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 19 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

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