divided

Divided is the past participle of divide and is used as an adjective to describe something that has been separated into parts, or to describe a state of disagreement or difference among people or groups. It can refer to physical separation, such as land divided by a border, or a metaphorical split in opinions.

The term derives from Latin dividere, through Old French dividir. In English, divided is commonly used with the prepositions by and into, as in divided by two or divided into segments.

In mathematics, divided describes the action of division. The phrase 'a divided by b' yields the quotient a/b. For example, 6 divided by 2 equals 3. If something is 'divided into eight parts,' it has been partitioned into eight equal portions. Related terms include dividend, divisor, and quotient, and the symbol for division can be written as ÷ or as a slash (/) in many contexts.

In social or political contexts, divided describes groups or systems characterized by disagreement, factionalism, or separation. A divided electorate or divided government indicates contrasting interests or party control across branches, often accompanying debate and stalemate. The term also appears in cultural and historical discussions about fragmentation within societies or regions.