dichotomy

[ dahy-kot-uh-mee ]

noun

plural dichotomies.

1. division into two parts, kinds, etc.; subdivision into halves or pairs.
2. division into two mutually exclusive, opposed, or contradictory groups:

   a dichotomy between thought and action.

3. Botany. a mode of branching by constant forking, as in some stems, in veins of leaves, etc.
4. Astronomy. the phase of the moon or of an inferior planet when half of its disk is visible.

dichotomy

/ ˌdaɪkəʊˈtɒmɪk; daɪˈkɒtəmɪ /

noun

1. division into two parts or classifications, esp when they are sharply distinguished or opposed

   the dichotomy between eastern and western cultures

2. logic the division of a class into two mutually exclusive subclasses

   the dichotomy of married and single people

3. botany a simple method of branching by repeated division into two equal parts
4. the phase of the moon, Venus, or Mercury when half of the disc is visible

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

Derived Forms

• diˈchotomous, adjective
• diˈchotomously, adverb

Other Word Forms

• di·cho·tom·ic [dahy-k, uh, -, tom, -ik], adjective
• di·cho·tom·i·cal·ly adverb
• sub·di·chot·o·my noun plural subdichotomies

Word History and Origins

Origin of dichotomy¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Late Latin dichotomia, from Greek dichotomía “dividing in two (of the quarters of the moon), point of a bisection, division into two parts”; dicho-, -tomy

Word History and Origins

Origin of dichotomy¹

C17: from Greek dichotomia; see dicho- , -tomy

Example Sentences

Wething told Salon that “school choice” is a “false dichotomy” for many students in low-income neighborhoods or rural areas, who don’t have access to charter or private school options anyway.

From Salon

“Black Mirror” embodies a dichotomy that Poulter constantly seeks, encompassing a social message and providing entertainment.

From Los Angeles Times

This strange dichotomy between licentious freedom and slavish obedience is an implicit bargain between Trump and his followers.

From Salon

His is a movie that brims with lyricism instead, and hangs on its threadbare plot these many poetic dichotomies.

From Los Angeles Times

In the current attacks on DEI and the broader attack on civil rights, there has been a sharp dichotomy in terms of corporate responses.

From Salon

Related Words

• difference of opinion