dichotomous

American  

[dih-kot-uh-muhs] / dɪˈkɒt ə məs /

adjective

1. divided or dividing into two parts.

2. of or relating to dichotomy.

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Other Word Forms

• dichotomously adverb
• dichotomousness noun
• nondichotomous adjective
• nondichotomously adverb
• undichotomous adjective
• undichotomously adverb

Etymology

Origin of dichotomous

1680–90; < Late Latin dichotomos < Greek dichótomos. See dicho-, -tome, -ous

Example Sentences

Our recommendations support the use of probabilities instead of dichotomous “p-values” and the inclusion of findings from related studies to evaluate safety and effectiveness—an invaluable advancement for rare-disease research.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 23, 2026

In the paper, the authors argued that stress amplifies dichotomous thinking — essentially a black and white worldview.

From Salon • Jul. 24, 2024

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

“People are perceiving the pandemic in a dichotomous view,” he said, adding, “Some feel it’s over and we are there. Others feel we must remain vigilant forever. The reality is in between the two poles.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 16, 2022

P. 1-2 cm. shallowly cup-shaped, reflexed, lobed, downy, yellowish brown, edge whitish; g. fold-like, dichotomous, crisped, greyish-white; sp. subgl. 5-6.

From European Fungus Flora: Agaricaceae by Massee, George