verb

divide

To separate a whole into parts.

She divides the pizza into equal slices for her friends.

Etymology

The Latin verb already means to separate or distribute. Divide preserves that action when a whole is broken or assigned into several portions.

More examples

  • We divide the class into groups of four.
  • The fence divides the yard into two sections.
  • If you divide twelve by three, you get four.

Forms

divide · divides · divided · dividing

division noun — The act of separating something into parts.

Similar words

separate
Emphasizes keeping things apart, not necessarily making smaller parts.
split
Often suggests breaking something into two distinct parts.
partition
Suggests dividing space or a whole into defined sections.