Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
to dichotomize

to dichotomize

1 9.3
To separate things into two opposite groups, ignoring the middle
  • verb
  • /daɪˈkɒtəˌmaɪz/
  • US
translation icon : dicotomizar
  • Self-reported sleep disturbance was dichotomized from the original 5-point Likert scale to a yes/no category.
  • dichotomized variable
  • dichotomized responses
  • dichotomized scores

We become dichotomized in these relationships, cut in two.

Examples

  • From this, a dichotomized variable indicated whether they had used alcohol at least once.

    Academic text (2008)

  • For the present study, race, which was self-reported by students, was dichotomized as White versus non-White.

    Academic text (2008)

  • We become dichotomized in these relationships, cut in two.

    DoctorRamani

  • Lifetime use of each type of drug was dichotomized as "ever" versus "never" used.

    Academic text (2008)

  • Participants' concerns about discipline in the classroom dichotomize the concepts of caring and teaching.

    Academic text (2008)

  • Each symptom was dichotomized as 1 night per week or 2 nights per week.

    Academic text (2012)

  • Continuous variables that were not associated in a strictly linear fashion were dichotomized according to the median.

    Academic text (2004)

  • Illicit drugs, including cocaine, amphetamines, and barbiturates, were combined and dichotomized as use/no use.

    Academic text (2003)

  • In many debates, it is common to dichotomize issues into 'for' or 'against' positions.

  • The researcher decided to dichotomize the survey responses into two clear categories for analysis.

Synonyms

to separate
vsto dichotomize
297 1.9

To break into parts or pieces

requires splitting into exactly two distinct or opposing groups or kinds
to polarize
vsto dichotomize
  • Literature
23 7.2

Make people or groups divide into two opposing sides

is used for splitting any two distinct groups or kinds beyond social opinions

Antonyms

to integrate
179 4.1

To join things or ideas so they form one whole

Surface Forms

dichotomize infinitive
dichotomized past
dichotomized past participle
dichotomizing present participle
dichotomizes third person singular

Morphology

dichotomize = dichotomy (transparent) = dichotomy + ize

A standard verb-forming suffix '-ize' attaches to the noun 'dichotomy' to mean 'to make or treat as a dichotomy', so the relation to the base is direct and regular.

Etymology

Dichotomize comes from Greek parts di- meaning 'two' and -tomize from tomos meaning 'to cut', the same root in anatomy ('cutting up' to study the body). So to dichotomize is to 'cut into two' — to split things into two opposite groups.