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

Yet, a divided Senate advanced Pete Hegseth's nomination as Secretary of Defense in a 51-to-49 vote, largely along party lines. —John Yoo and John Shu, Newsweek, 23 Jan. 2025

After the lukewarm reception to Star Wars Outlaws (which itself was at the center of the exhausting online discourse), and a divided fan base, Shadows’ value for the company can’t be understated. —Alyssa Mercante, Rolling Stone, 23 Jan. 2025

The grandiose style also suggests the helmet was not meant for battle, but was instead dedicated to a king or someone who would have been the highest-ranking person in what Nielsen described as a divided hierarchy in the region. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025

Despite 34 felony convictions, two impeachments and his role in inciting the January 6th insurrection to overturn the 2020 election results, Trump begins his second presidency overseeing a deeply divided nation. —Kizzy Cox, Essence, 21 Jan. 2025

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