Reading Theme:
Division: Definition, Usage & Key Examples (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：splitting into parts (division)
division
/dɪˈvɪʒ.ən/
n.
The action of splitting something into smaller parts, or the process of being split.
splitting into parts
➕
/ˈsplɪtɪŋ ˈɪntuː pɑːrts/
n.
The act or process of separating something into smaller components or sections.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'dividere' (to divide) + suffix '-ion' (action or state).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of dividing a pizza into slices; 'division' splits things into parts.
📖 Example
The teacher used division of labor to make our group project more efficient, with one person researching, another writing, and a third designing the presentation.
The teacher improved project efficiency by assigning different tasks to group members through division of labor.
🔗 Collocations
division of labor – the allocation of different tasks to different people to improve efficiency
cell division – the process by which a cell divides into two or more daughter cells
long division – a method of dividing large numbers by breaking down the calculation into steps
🔄 Synonyms
separation (n.) – the action of moving or being moved apart into distinct units
partition (n.) – the division of something into parts, especially a country or area
segmentation (n.) – the process of dividing something into segments or sections
🚫 Antonyms
unification (n.) – the process of being united or combined into a whole
integration (n.) – the act of combining or adding parts to make a unified whole
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from Latin 'dividere', meaning 'to separate'. Widely used in mathematics for splitting numbers and in organizations for specialized sections.
Meaning 2：organizational section (division)
division
/dɪˈvɪʒ.ən/
n.
A major section or part of a large organization, like a company, army, or government.
organizational section
➕
/ˌɔːrɡənaɪˈzeɪʃənl ˈsekʃən/
n.
A distinct part or branch of a large institution, such as a company, military, or government body.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
She works in the marketing division of a multinational tech company, focusing on social media campaigns.
She is employed in the marketing section of a global technology firm, specializing in social media strategies.
🔗 Collocations
sales division – the department within a company responsible for selling products or services
research division – a unit focused on conducting studies and developing new ideas or products
infantry division – a large military unit consisting of infantry troops
🔄 Synonyms
department (n.) – a distinct section of a large organization with specific functions
branch (n.) – a division or office of a business or organization operating locally
unit (n.) – a single entity that is part of a larger organization or system
🚫 Antonyms
whole (n.) – the entire entity or organization without subdivisions
🌱 Derivatives
divisional (adj.) – relating to or constituting a division within an organization
Meaning 3：serious disagreement (division)
division
/dɪˈvɪʒ.ən/
n.
A serious disagreement between groups of people, usually causing tension or opposition.
serious disagreement
➕
/ˈsɪəriəs ˌdɪsəˈɡriːmənt/
n.
A state of conflict or opposition between groups, often leading to tension or separation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
There was a deep division within the family about whether to move to the city or stay in the countryside, which made the decision very difficult.
The family experienced a strong disagreement over relocating to the city versus staying rural, complicating the choice.
🔗 Collocations
political division – disagreement or conflict between different political groups or ideologies
social division – separation or conflict within society based on factors like class or ethnicity
ideological division – disagreement arising from differing beliefs or principles
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
divisive (adj.) – causing disagreement or hostility between people
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