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

Republicans could also retain one of both legislative chambers, ensuring divided government through 2026, when Hobbs is eligible to seek reelection. —The Arizona Republic, 11 Sep. 2024

The supply of workers from immigration will be 10,000 per month lower if Trump wins with a divided government than if Harris becomes president, Goldman Sachs estimates. —Elisabeth Buchwald and Matt Egan, CNN, 10 Sep. 2024

The chance of a divided government is far lower, at just 17 percent. —Vicki M. Young, Sourcing Journal, 10 Sep. 2024

Under a president Harris, job growth would be 10,000 jobs a month higher than if Trump wins with a divided government and 30,000 jobs higher than a Republican takeover of Congress and the White House, according to Goldman. —William Gavin, Quartz, 10 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing divided

• divided highway
• divided loyalty

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