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

Macron has been at the helm of chaos following a misguided approach to a divided legislative body. —Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 31 Dec. 2024

This unsustainable path for US debt growth seems likely to render the enactment of more massive green energy subsidy programs by a closely divided congress untenable for the foreseeable future. —David Blackmon, Forbes, 31 Dec. 2024

Federal police reforms died amid political bickering in a divided Congress and momentum for reforms halted amid rising crime during the pandemic. —Russell Contreras, Axios, 30 Dec. 2024

Greenville Is The Birthplace Of Duke's Mayo–And This Trail Captures The Tradition Eating Mayo Sandwiches As An Adult Back to my divided house. —Josh Miller, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 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