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to subdivide

to subdivide

8 4.2
To split something into smaller parts
  • verb
  • /ˌsʌb.dɪˈvaɪd/
translation icon : subdividir
  • Before building the new houses, the developers need to subdivide the land into individual lots.
  • subdivided land
  • subdivided into two
  • subdivided into three

Local authorities or local towns could then subdivide within this grid.

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Examples

  • See what was the original 200 acre farm, has been subdivided and sold off.

  • All right, so basically we're going to take this interval now and we're going to subdivide it into equal parts.

  • Take anything you can, as it were, subdivide it into smaller proper parts and no end to that process.

  • Its only intention was to subdivide the land and lay out streets.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Each wealth level was further subdivided into one senior and one junior block.

  • The arts key learning area is further subdivided into the performing and visual arts.

    Academic text (1996)
  • Their physical plan includes a series of structures, each subdivided into several apartments for rent.

    Academic text (1999)
  • During the study period, Alberta was subdivided into 9 health regions.

    Academic text (2012)
  • Forty years ago, the cellar had been subdivided into a maze of small rooms.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • Neutrinos are very basic subatomic particles that we don't know how to subdivide any further.

Synonyms

to divide
vsto subdivide
680 1.1

To split something into parts or groups

adds the idea of making smaller parts, sometimes repeatedly
to split
vsto subdivide
513 1.3

To break something into two or more parts

tends to mean creating several smaller parts over time
to break down
vsto subdivide
213 2.8

To separate something into smaller parts to explain or study it

may do that too but stresses making many small parts
to cut into
vsto subdivide
89 2.3

To make something into smaller pieces using a knife or tool

may involve cutting too but stresses repeated smaller partitions
to break up
vsto subdivide
66 2.7

Separate something into smaller pieces

can involve that action but usually implies repeated small divisions
to branch
vsto subdivide
49 2.7

To split into two or more parts

focuses more on repeated small subdivisions rather than branching
to split up
vsto subdivide
47 2.6

To divide something into smaller parts

often implies a systematic or repeated creation of smaller parts
to fragment
vsto subdivide
39 3.7

To break into small pieces or make something break apart

suggests orderly, repeated separation into small parts instead
to cut up
vsto subdivide
32 1.1

Make something into smaller pieces using scissors or a knife

is more neutral and often implies repeated careful partitioning
to carve up
vsto subdivide
14 5.8

To divide something into parts to share between people

focuses more on repeatedly creating smaller parts rather than sharing
to segment
vsto subdivide
12 3.5

To divide something into separate parts

focuses more on making many smaller parts repeatedly
to partition
vsto subdivide
10 4.0

To divide something into parts

does the same but often in multiple, repeated steps
to section
vsto subdivide
4 3.3

To divide something into separate parts

can mean doing that but often several times
to disaggregate
vsto subdivide
  • Specialized
3 7.5

To separate something into smaller parts to study it

is like that but often means making many small parts generally
to chunk
vsto subdivide
1 3.2

To break something into smaller parts

tends to mean creating many smaller parts more systematically
to dissever
vsto subdivide
  • Formal
1 9.9

To cut or separate something into parts, often by breaking it

can be gentler and often repeats separation into smaller parts
to partition off
vsto subdivide
1 3.9

To divide a space using a wall or screen

can divide without needing physical barriers and may repeat
to subsegment
vsto subdivide
5.8

To divide something into smaller parts

makes smaller parts, often by repeating the process
to sectionalize
vsto subdivide
8.0

To divide a country or city into areas for local government

applies more generally to making smaller parts repeatedly
to morcellate
vsto subdivide
9.9

Cut something into small pieces to make it easier to remove

covers making small parts generally, not only for disposal
to fragmentize
vsto subdivide
8.2

To break something into many small pieces

is similar but often implies controlled, repeatable partitioning
to fraction
vsto subdivide
6.4

To divide something into smaller parts

usually implies finer, repeated subdivision into many parts

Antonyms

638 2.7

To mix two or more things into one

65 3.7

To bring people or things together into one group

How Divided

to fragment
39 3.7
to subdivide
8 4.2
to divide
680 1.1

Surface Forms

subdivide infinitive
subdivided past
subdivided past participle
subdividing present participle
subdivides third person singular

Morphology

subdivide = divide (transparent) = sub + divide

Meaning is directly derived from the productive prefix 'sub-' (indicating division into smaller/secondary parts) plus the verb 'divide', so the sense is predictable.

Etymology

Subdivide comes from the parts sub- meaning 'under' or 'below' and divide meaning 'to split'. So, to subdivide is to split something into smaller parts, often by dividing it again.