dichotomy
[dahy-kot-uh-mee]
- division into two parts, kinds, etc.; subdivision into halves or pairs.
- division into two mutually exclusive, opposed, or contradictory groups: a dichotomy between thought and action.
- Botany. a mode of branching by constant forking, as in some stems, in veins of leaves, etc.
- Astronomy. the phase of the moon or of an inferior planet when half of its disk is visible.
Show More
Origin of dichotomy
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for dichotomy
Contemporary Examples
No, the whole point of a superhero with a secret identity is the dichotomy.
It was this dichotomy that made Don a fascinating, layered character.
What's Happened to Don Draper? Why Everyone’s Favorite ‘Mad Men’ Stud Needs His Mojo BackLizzie Crocker
April 16, 2014
As a result, the legislation “defies the dichotomy of pro-life and pro-choice,” says Diaz-Tello.
Ultimately, I think this dichotomy will come to define what True Detective is all about.
Colorado lawmakers, and ultimately officials in the Obama administration, are going to have to address that dichotomy.
Historical Examples
The nature of the universe is proved too subtle for this dichotomy.
Studies of the Greek Poets (Vol II of 2)John Addington Symonds
Most of the examples of division which Plato gives are divisions by dichotomy.
A Critical History of Greek PhilosophyW. T. Stace
Dichotomy (dī-koto-mi), a cutting in two; a division by pairs.
The New Gresham EncyclopediaVarious
Another point of difference from Catenicella is the non-gemination of the cell at the dichotomy of a branch.
He mapped out the whole subject, dividing and subdividing it in accordance with the principle of “dichotomy.”
dichotomy
- division into two parts or classifications, esp when they are sharply distinguished or opposedthe dichotomy between eastern and western cultures
- logic the division of a class into two mutually exclusive subclassesthe dichotomy of married and single people
- botany a simple method of branching by repeated division into two equal parts
- the phase of the moon, Venus, or Mercury when half of the disc is visible
Show More
Word Origin
C17: from Greek dichotomia; see dicho-, -tomy
usage
Dichotomy should always refer to a division of some kind into two groups. It is sometimes used to refer to a puzzling situation which seems to involve a contradiction, but this use is generally thought to be incorrect
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for dichotomy
n.
c.1600, from Greek dichotomia "a cutting in half," from dicha "in two, asunder" (related to dis "twice") + temnein "to cut" (see tome).
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper