adjective
1.
a.
(1) : separated into parts or pieces
finely divided particles of steel
(2) : consisting of distinct parts or divisions
a book divided into 30 chapters
b. : separated into distinct divisions, sections, classes, groups
c. of a leaf : cut into distinct parts by incisions extending to the base or to the midrib — compare cleft , parted
d. : subjected to logical division
e. of a road : having the stream of traffic moving in one direction separated (as by a strip of planted land) from that moving in the opposite direction
2.
a. : separated into opposing sides or groups : at variance with each other : disunited
the allies were sharply divided over this issue
b. : distributed among two or more specified objects or individuals
the population is about equally divided between Swedes and Norwegians
: directed or moved (as by affection, inclination, duty) toward conflicting interests, states, or objects
divided loyalties kept him aloof from the struggle
c. : divisi
3. : separated by distance from another : kept apart
familiar objects from which she had never dreamed of being divided — James Joyce
4. Hindu law : separated or freed from the bond or obligation of the joint family
a divided brother
• di·vid·ed·ness noun -es