dichotomous
AmericanOther Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of dichotomous
1680–90; < Late Latin dichotomos < Greek dichótomos. See dicho-, -tome, -ous
Explanation
If something's dichotomous, it's divided into two distinct parts. It can describe a plant whose leaves pair off in opposing buds or anything — a government, a relationship — that has two divisions that are sharply opposed. The relationship between science and mysticism, or astrology and astronomy, for example, are two examples of a dichotomous relationship: each side has a completely irreconcilable set of basic principles. You might say the same about a father and son who support different baseball teams. Not surprisingly, the word dichotomous comes from the ancient Greek word dikhotomia, meaning "a cutting in half." So be warned and make sure your children grow up supporting the same team as you.
Vocabulary lists containing dichotomous
List 9
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List 14
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The dichotomous promise of AI was always this: boom or doom.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 14, 2026
Mycologists use dichotomous keys to identify the species of mushroom based on its physical characteristics including the cap, stem, ring and gills.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 8, 2026
Stepping in for Mena, Dudamel, who assumes his Philharmonic post in 2026, led, in his only subscription concert appearances this season, a dichotomous program of dazzling crowd-pleasers and a thorny modernist work with utmost finesse.
From New York Times ● Apr. 28, 2024
She calls on us to find an island between the dichotomous “sides” of this conflict.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 2, 2024
During this formation of the zygospore, the two arched cells whence the zygospore originated develop a series of dichotomous processes in close proximity to the walls which separate them from the zygospore.
From Fungi: Their Nature and Uses by M. C. (Mordecai Cubitt) Cooke
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