Divide vs. Split — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 12, 2023
Divide entails separating something into parts mathematically or spatially; Split refers to breaking or separating something into parts along a line.
Difference Between Divide and Split
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Divide and Split, both talk about separating something into parts. Divide often refers to doing so in a very methodical, calculated manner, where measurements or proportions are often considered. Conversely, split can imply a somewhat more forceful, perhaps even hasty, manner of separating things, which may or may not be equal.
In mathematical contexts, "divide" carries a specific operation, implying distribution of a number (dividend) into equal parts as dictated by another number (divisor). "Split", however, doesn't imply mathematical operations, but simply suggests breaking something up into sections.
When it comes to group activities, to divide might imply an organized allocation into teams or groups, potentially based on specific characteristics or strategies. To split in a similar context, may suggest a perhaps more arbitrary or swift separation, without as much deliberation on specific group composition.
Using “divide” in a spatial context implies a measured separation, perhaps indicating a carefully planned subdivision. Conversely, when “split” is used to describe a spatial scenario, it may denote a separation, but without necessarily indicating any meticulous measuring or exactness in the division.
In contexts of opinions or beliefs, a divide often implies a notable separation or disagreement among people. A split, while also showcasing a disagreement or separation in belief or allegiance, might suggest a more distinct or abrupt parting of ways.
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Comparison Chart
Grammatical Use
Often used in mathematical contexts.
Less likely to be used in mathematical contexts.
Connotation
Typically neutral or methodical in connotation.
May convey a more abrupt or forceful separation.
Equality of Parts
Suggests an equal or proportionate separation.
Doesn’t necessarily imply equality in the resulting parts.
Formality
Might be perceived as slightly more formal or measured.
Can come across as more casual or unplanned.
Use in Grouping
Implies a considered allocation into teams/groups.
Suggests a perhaps more arbitrary allocation into groups.
Compare with Definitions
Divide
Divide means to separate into parts.
The teacher will divide the class into small groups.
Split
Split implies separating something into parts along a line.
The log was split into two pieces.
Divide
Divide also refers to distributing something among people.
Divide the candies evenly among the children.
Split
Split can mean to leave a place, often abruptly.
After the argument, she decided to split.
Divide
Divide can mean to separate or be separated by a boundary.
A river divides the two towns.
Split
Split can refer to dividing something into shared portions.
Let's split the bill evenly among us.
Divide
Divide can imply creating a barrier or difference between groups.
Political issues often divide the population.
Split
Split can indicate a divergence into different directions.
The road ahead split into two paths.
Divide
Separate or be separated into parts
The cell clusters began to divide rapidly
Consumer magazines can be divided into a number of categories
Split
Split can refer to breaking apart due to force or pressure.
The ripe fruit split open, revealing its seeds.
Divide
Disagree or cause to disagree
Cities where politicians frequently divide along racial lines
The question had divided Frenchmen since the Revolution
Split
To divide (something) from end to end, into layers, or along the grain
Split the log down the middle.
Divide
Find how many times (a number) contains another
36 divided by 2 equals 18
Split
Divided.
Republicans appear split on the centerpiece of Mr. Obama's economic recovery plan.
Divide
A difference or disagreement between two groups, typically producing tension
There was still a profound cultural divide between the parties
Split
Having the middle group equal to the direct product of the others.
Divide
To separate into parts, sections, groups, or branches
Divided the students into four groups.
Split
(of coffee) Comprising half decaffeinated and half caffeinated espresso.
Divide
To form a border or barrier between
A mountain chain divides France and Spain.
Split
Divided so as to be done or executed part at one time or price and part at another time or price.
Divide
To sector into units of measurement; graduate
The ruler was divided into metric units.
Split
Given in sixteenths rather than eighths.
Divide
To group according to kind; classify or assign
Divided the plants into different species.
Split
(London stock exchange) Designating ordinary stock that has been divided into preferred ordinary and deferred ordinary.
Divide
To cause to separate into opposing factions; disunite
"They want not to divide either the Revolution or the Church but to be an integral part of both" (Conor Cruise O'Brien).
Split
A crack or longitudinal fissure.
Divide
To cause (members of a parliament) to vote by separating into groups, as pro and con.
Split
A breach or separation, as in a political party; a division.
Divide
To give out or apportion among a number
Volunteers divided the different jobs among themselves.
Split
A piece that is split off, or made thin, by splitting; a splinter; a fragment.
Divide
To subject (a number) to the process of division
Divided 20 by 4.
Split
(leather manufacture) One of the sections of a skin made by dividing it into two or more thicknesses.
Divide
To be a divisor of
3 divides 9.
Split
A maneuver of spreading or sliding the feet apart until the legs are flat on the floor 180 degrees apart, either sideways to the body or with one leg in front and one behind, thus lowering the body completely to the floor in an upright position.
Divide
To use (a number) as a divisor
Divided 5 into 35.
Split
(bodybuilding) A workout routine as seen by its distribution of muscle groups or the extent and manner they are targeted in a microcycle.
Bro split
Divide
To become separated into parts
The mixture will divide into several layers if left unagitated.
Split
A split-finger fastball.
He’s got a nasty split.
Divide
To branch out, as a river or a blood vessel.
Split
(bowling) A result of a first throw that leaves two or more pins standing with one or more pins between them knocked down.
Divide
To form into factions; take sides
The party divided evenly on the tax issue.
Split
A split shot or split stroke.
Divide
To vote by dividing.
Split
A dessert or confection resembling a banana split.
Divide
(Mathematics) To perform the operation of division.
Split
A unit of measure used for champagne or other spirits: 18.75 centiliters or one quarter of a standard 75-centiliter bottle. Commercially comparable to 20 (US) gallon, which is 2 of a fifth.
Divide
(Biology) To undergo cell division.
Split
A bottle of wine containing 37.5 centiliters, half the volume of a standard 75-centiliter bottle; a demi.
Divide
A dividing point or line
"would clearly tip the court ... across a dangerous constitutional divide" (Lawrence H. Tribe).
Split
(athletics) The elapsed time at specific intermediate points in a race.
In the 3000 m race, his 800 m split was 1:45.32
Divide
See watershed.
Split
(video games) The elapsed time at specific intermediate points in a speedrun.
Divide
(transitive) To split or separate (something) into two or more parts.
A wall divides two houses; a stream divides the towns
Split
(construction) A tear resulting from tensile stresses.
Divide
(transitive) To share (something) by dividing it.
How shall we divide this pie?
Split
(gambling) A division of a stake happening when two cards of the kind on which the stake is laid are dealt in the same turn.
Divide
To calculate the number (the quotient) by which you must multiply one given number (the divisor) to produce a second given number (the dividend).
If you divide 6 by 3, you get 2.
Split
(music) A recording containing songs by multiple artists.
Divide
To be a divisor of.
3 divides 6.
Split
To divide fully or partly along a more or less straight line.
He has split his lip.
Divide
(intransitive) To separate into two or more parts.
Split
To break along the grain fully or partly along a more or less straight line.
Divide
Of a cell, to reproduce by dividing.
Split
(transitive) To share; to divide.
We split the money among three people.
Divide
To disunite in opinion or interest; to make discordant or hostile; to set at variance.
Split
To leave.
Let's split this scene and see if we can find a real party.
Divide
(obsolete) To break friendship; to fall out.
Split
To separate.
Did you hear Dick and Jane split? They'll probably get a divorce.
Divide
(obsolete) To have a share; to partake.
Split
(ambitransitive) To (cause to) break up; to throw into discord.
Accusations of bribery split the party just before the election.
Divide
To vote, as in the British parliament and other legislatures, by the members separating themselves into two parties (as on opposite sides of the hall or in opposite lobbies), that is, the ayes dividing from the noes.
Split
To factor into linear factors.
Divide
(music) To play or sing in a florid style, or with variations.
Split
To be broken; to be dashed to pieces.
Divide
A thing that divides.
Stay on your side of the divide, please.
Split
(intransitive) To burst out laughing.
Divide
An act of dividing.
The divide left most of the good land on my share of the property.
Split
To divulge a secret; to betray confidence; to peach.
Divide
A distancing between two people or things.
There is a great divide between us.
Split
For both teams involved in a doubleheader to win one game each and lose another.
Boston split with Philadelphia in a doubleheader, winning the first game 3-1 before losing 2-0 in the nightcap.
Divide
(geography) A large chasm, gorge, or ravine between two areas of land.
If you're heading to the coast, you'll have to cross the divide first.
Split
To vote for candidates of opposite parties.
Divide
(hydrology) The topographical boundary dividing two adjacent catchment basins, such as a ridge or a crest.
Split
To divide lengthwise; to separate from end to end, esp. by force; to divide in the direction of the grain or layers; to rive; to cleave; as, to split a piece of timber or a board; to split a gem; to split a sheepskin.
Cold winter split the rocks in twain.
Divide
To part asunder (a whole); to sever into two or more parts or pieces; to sunder; to separate into parts.
Divide the living child in two.
Split
To burst; to rupture; to rend; to tear asunder.
A huge vessel of exceeding hard marble split asunder by congealed water.
Divide
To cause to be separate; to keep apart by a partition, or by an imaginary line or limit; as, a wall divides two houses; a stream divides the towns.
Let it divide the waters from the waters.
Split
To divide or break up into parts or divisions, as by discord; to separate into parts or parties, as a political party; to disunite.
Divide
To make partition of among a number; to apportion, as profits of stock among proprietors; to give in shares; to distribute; to mete out; to share.
True justice unto people to divide.
Ye shall divide the land by lot.
Split
To divide or separate into components; - often used with up; as, to split up sugar into alcohol and carbonic acid.
Divide
To disunite in opinion or interest; to make discordant or hostile; to set at variance.
If a kingdom be divided against itself, that kingdom can not stand.
Every family became now divided within itself.
Split
To part asunder; to be rent; to burst; as, vessels split by the freezing of water in them.
Divide
To separate into two parts, in order to ascertain the votes for and against a measure; as, to divide a legislative house upon a question.
Split
To be broken; to be dashed to pieces.
The ship splits on the rock.
Divide
To subject to arithmetical division.
Split
To separate into parties or factions.
Divide
To separate into species; - said of a genus or generic term.
Split
To burst with laughter.
Each had a gravity would make you split.
Divide
To play or sing in a florid style, or with variations.
Split
To divulge a secret; to betray confidence; to peach.
Divide
To be separated; to part; to open; to go asunder.
The Indo-Germanic family divides into three groups.
Split
To divide one hand of blackjack into two hands; - a strategy allowed to a player when the first two cards dealt to the player have the same value.
Divide
To cause separation; to disunite.
A gulf, a strait, the sea intervening between islands, divide less than the matted forest.
Split
To leave; to depart (from a place or gathering); as, let's split.
Divide
To break friendship; to fall out.
Split
A crack, rent, or longitudinal fissure.
Divide
To have a share; to partake.
Split
A breach or separation, as in a political party; a division.
Divide
To vote, as in the British Parliament, by the members separating themselves into two parties (as on opposite sides of the hall or in opposite lobbies), that is, the ayes dividing from the noes.
The emperors sat, voted, and divided with their equals.
Split
A piece that is split off, or made thin, by splitting; a splinter; a fragment.
Divide
A dividing ridge of land between the tributaries of two streams; also called watershed and water parting. A divide on either side of which the waters drain into two different oceans is called a continental divide.
Split
One of the sections of a skin made by dividing it into two or more thicknesses.
Divide
A serious disagreement between two groups of people (typically producing tension or hostility)
Split
A division of a stake happening when two cards of the kind on which the stake is laid are dealt in the same turn.
Divide
A ridge of land that separates two adjacent river systems
Split
Any of the three or four strips into which osiers are commonly cleft for certain kinds of work; - usually in pl.
Divide
Separate into parts or portions;
Divide the cake into three equal parts
The British carved up the Ottoman Empire after World War I
Split
Short for Split shot or split stroke.
Divide
Perform a division;
Can you divide 49 by seven?
Split
The feat of going down to the floor so that the legs extend in a straight line, either with one on each side or with one in front and the other behind.
Divide
Act as a barrier between; stand between;
The mountain range divides the two countries
Split
A small bottle (containing about half a pint) of some drink; - so called as containing half the quantity of the customary smaller commercial size of bottle; also, a drink of half the usual quantity; a half glass.
Divide
Come apart;
The two pieces that we had glued separated
Split
The substitution of more than one share of a corporation's stock for one share. The market price of the stock usually drops in proportion to the increase in outstanding shares of stock. The split may be in any ratio, as, a two-for-one split; a three-for-two split.
Divide
Make a division or separation
Split
Divided; cleft.
Divide
Force, take, or pull apart;
He separated the fighting children
Moses parted the Red Sea
Split
Divided deeply; cleft.
Divide
Divide can be a mathematical operation of distributing a quantity.
If you divide 20 by 4, you get 5.
Split
Divided so as to be done or executed part at one time or price and part at another time or price; - said of an order, sale, etc.
Split
Extending the legs at right angles to the trunks (one in front and the other in back)
Split
A bottle containing half the usual amount
Split
A promised or claimed share of loot or money;
He demanded his split before they disbanded
Split
A lengthwise crack in wood;
He inserted the wedge into a split in the log
Split
An opening made forcibly as by pulling apart;
There was a rip in his pants
She had snags in her stockings
Split
An old Croatian city on the Adriatic Sea
Split
A dessert of sliced fruit and ice cream covered with whipped cream and cherries and nuts
Split
(tenpin bowling) a divided formation of pins left standing after the first bowl;
He was winning until he got a split in the tenth frame
Split
An increase in the number of outstanding shares of a corporation without changing the shareholders' equity;
They announced a two-for-one split of the common stock
Split
The act of rending or ripping or splitting something;
He gave the envelope a vigorous rip
Split
Division of a group into opposing factions;
Another schism like that and they will wind up in bankruptcy
Split
Separate into parts or portions;
Divide the cake into three equal parts
The British carved up the Ottoman Empire after World War I
Split
Separate or cut with a tool, such as a sharp instrument;
Cleave the bone
Split
Discontinue an association or relation; go different ways;
The business partners broke over a tax question
The couple separated after 25 years of marriage
My friend and I split up
Split
Go one's own away; move apart;
The friends separated after the party
Split
Break open or apart suddenly;
The bubble burst
Split
Being divided or separated;
Split between love and hate
Split
Having been divided; having the unity destroyed;
Congress...gave the impression of...a confusing sum of disconnected local forces
A league of disunited nations
A fragmented coalition
A split group
Split
Broken or burst apart longitudinally;
After the thunderstorm we found a tree with a split trunk
They tore big juicy chunks from the heart of the split watermelon
Split
Having a long rip or tear;
A split lip
Split
(especially of wood) cut or ripped longitudinally with the grain;
We bought split logs for the fireplace
Common Curiosities
Can “divide” imply an unequal distribution?
No, “divide” typically implies a somewhat equal or fair distribution.
Can “divide” refer to physical separation?
Yes, “divide” can describe a physical separation, such as a barrier.
Is “divide” used in mathematical contexts?
Yes, “divide” is commonly used to describe a mathematical operation.
Can “split” suggest a quick or abrupt separation?
Yes, “split” can imply a rapid, possibly forceful, separation.
Can “divide” also imply a separation of beliefs?
Yes, “divide” can indicate a separation or difference in beliefs or opinions.
Is “split” used to describe sharing a bill?
Yes, “split” is commonly used to describe dividing a bill among people.
Does “split” always suggest a clean break?
No, “split” does not necessarily imply a clean or straight break.
Can “split” refer to a divergence in a path?
Yes, “split” can describe a path or way diverging into different directions.
Can “split” imply an amicable separation?
Not necessarily, “split” does not inherently convey the nature of the separation.
Does “divide” suggest a meticulous separation?
Often, “divide” implies a measured or proportionate separation.
Can “split” indicate a separation of a group?
Yes, “split” can describe a group of people parting ways.
Can “split” refer to a crack or break in an object?
Yes, “split” can describe a situation where an object breaks into parts.
Is “divide” always used in formal contexts?
No, while “divide” can sound formal, it’s used in various contexts.
Does “divide” always suggest a physical separation?
No, “divide” can also indicate metaphorical or non-physical separations.
Can “divide” refer to a political or social separation?
Yes, “divide” can indicate a separation or disagreement in social or political contexts.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
