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dichotomize

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /daɪˈkɒtəmaɪz/

KK: /daɪˈkɒtəmaɪz/

intransitive verb
Definition

To split into two distinct parts or categories.


Example

The discussion began to dichotomize into two opposing viewpoints.


Tense Forms

Past: dichotomized

Past Participle: dichotomized


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you noticed how people tend to dichotomize their opinions on social media?
Sloth B
Yeah, it’s like you’re either with them or against them.
Sloth A
It really makes discussions harder; everything feels so polarized.
Sloth B
Exactly! I wish more people would just share their thoughts without dividing us.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
split
divide
branch
Antonyms
unify
merge
combine
transitive verb
Definition

To divide something into two distinct and separate parts or categories.


Example

The study aimed to dichotomize the data into two groups for better analysis.


Tense Forms

Past: dichotomized

Past Participle: dichotomized


Conversation
Sloth A
I was reading about how people tend to dichotomize their views on issues.
Sloth B
That's interesting! Do you think it makes discussions harder?
Sloth A
Definitely, it creates a divide that isn't always necessary.
Root Explanation

Dichotomize → It is formed from "dicho-" (from Greek "dichotomos", meaning in two parts) and "-ize" (meaning to make or to cause to be). The word "dichotomize" means to divide something into two distinct parts or categories.

Memory Tip

Think of dividing something into 'two parts' ('dicho-') — that's what dichotomize means.

Visually Confused Words
subdichotomize
trichotomize
lithotomize
Is this page helpful?
Sloth B
Right, sometimes it's better to find a middle ground.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
divide
split
classify
Antonyms
unify
combine
merge