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 of divided

• 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 show’s title is synonymous with the fears of many Americans, who navigated and are still navigating a divided political nation. — Kelly Lawler, USA Today, 29 June 2026

Typically, the Supreme Court rulings released earlier in the term are less divided, and decisions released later in the term tend to break down along ideological lines at a higher rate. — Jack Birle, The Washington Examiner, 28 June 2026

Is there a scenario where the British monarchy is no longer so divided? — Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 27 June 2026

It can only be used for spending and budgetary measures and allows for passing controversial legislation along party lines in the narrowly divided chamber. — Justin Papp, CNBC, 24 June 2026

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