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B1 noun #35 most common 14 min read

divisions

Top 35

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips divisions in 30 Seconds

Explanation divisions in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'divisions' is a bit advanced, but you might see it in very simple contexts. Think of it as 'sharing' or 'splitting.' If you have a pizza and you cut it into four pieces, those are like divisions. You might hear a teacher say, 'Let's look at the divisions of the day,' meaning morning, afternoon, and evening. It is about breaking one big thing into smaller, easier parts. You don't need to worry about the complex meanings yet; just think of it as 'parts' or 'pieces' of something larger that are separated so everyone can have some or so things are organized.

At the A2 level, you start to see 'divisions' used in more specific ways, especially regarding work or school. You might learn that a big school has different 'divisions,' like the Primary Division and the Secondary Division. In a simple job, you might hear about the 'Sales Division.' Here, the word means 'departments' or 'groups.' It is also the time you might start learning 'division' in math class. So, 'divisions' are the math problems where you share numbers. It's still about parts, but now those parts have names and specific jobs in a larger group.

At the B1 level, you should understand that 'divisions' often refers to disagreements between people. This is a very common way the word is used in news and social discussions. For example, 'There are deep divisions between the two groups.' This means they don't agree and are separated by their ideas. You also use it to talk about how a country or a large company is organized into major sections. You should be able to use the word to describe both physical parts (like the divisions of a book) and abstract parts (like political divisions).

At the B2 level, you can use 'divisions' with more precision. you understand the difference between 'divisions' (the parts or gaps) and 'divisiveness' (the quality of causing trouble). You can talk about 'social divisions' or 'class divisions' and explain how they affect society. In a business context, you understand that divisions are large, semi-independent parts of a company. You can use adjectives like 'irreconcilable,' 'sharp,' or 'narrowing' to describe these divisions. You are comfortable using the word in formal writing and can explain complex organizational structures using this term.

At the C1 level, you recognize the nuanced use of 'divisions' in academic and professional settings. You might discuss the 'division of labor' in economic theory or the 'sectarian divisions' in historical conflicts. You understand that the word can imply a systematic classification, such as the divisions in biological taxonomy or geological time. You can use the word metaphorically and understand its weight in political discourse. Your vocabulary is rich enough to choose between 'divisions,' 'factions,' 'schisms,' and 'rifts' depending on the exact level of conflict or organization you want to describe.

At the C2 level, you have a complete mastery of 'divisions.' You understand its etymological roots and can use it in highly specialized contexts, such as military strategy or complex legal asset distribution. You can appreciate the word's use in literature to describe internal psychological conflicts or vast societal shifts. You can navigate the most subtle connotations of the word, using it to build complex arguments about sociology, history, or philosophy. You are aware of how the word has evolved and can use it with perfect tone and register in any situation, from a high-level diplomatic meeting to a scientific research paper.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

divisions in 30 Seconds

Divisions are the parts of a whole, such as departments in a company or sections of a book.
The word often describes deep disagreements or lack of unity between groups of people.
In sports and the military, divisions are specific types of organized groups or leagues.
It is also the plural of the mathematical operation used to split numbers into equal parts.

The term divisions is a versatile and multi-layered noun that describes the state or act of being separated into distinct parts. At its most fundamental level, it is the plural form of 'division,' originating from the Latin 'divisio,' which means to separate or distribute. In everyday conversation, we use this word to describe physical boundaries, organizational structures, mathematical processes, and even deep-seated social or emotional disagreements. When you think of divisions, imagine a large cake being sliced into equal pieces; each slice represents a division of the whole. However, the word carries much more weight when applied to human systems. In a business context, divisions are the large, semi-autonomous branches of a corporation that focus on specific products or geographic regions. For example, a global technology firm might have a 'Mobile Hardware Division' and a 'Cloud Services Division.' These units work independently but contribute to the overall success of the parent company. In the military, a division is a massive tactical unit consisting of several thousand soldiers, usually commanded by a high-ranking officer. This structural use of the word helps manage complexity by breaking a large entity into manageable, specialized groups.

Organizational Context: The company restructured its internal divisions to improve efficiency and communication between the engineering and marketing teams.
Social Context: Political divisions within the country have made it difficult for the government to pass new legislation that satisfies everyone.

Beyond physical or structural meanings, 'divisions' frequently refers to abstract concepts like disagreements or schisms. When a group of people cannot agree on a fundamental issue, we say there are divisions among them. This usage is common in politics, sociology, and history. We often hear about the 'class divisions' that separate the wealthy from the poor, or 'sectarian divisions' that lead to conflict between different religious groups. In these cases, the word highlights a lack of unity or a gap in understanding. It is also a key term in sports, where leagues are split into divisions based on geography or skill level to ensure fair competition. Whether you are talking about the 'Eastern Division' in baseball or the 'Premier Division' in football, the word serves to categorize and organize competitors. In mathematics, divisions are the actual operations performed to find out how many times one number goes into another. While a child might struggle with their long divisions in school, an economist might analyze the divisions of wealth across a global population. The word is essential because it allows us to talk about how things are broken down, organized, and separated, whether those things are tangible objects, large organizations, or complex human emotions.

The deep divisions in the committee prevented any progress on the new community project.

In summary, 'divisions' is a word that helps us categorize the world. It can be a tool for organization, a method of calculation, or a description of conflict. Its meaning is heavily dependent on the context in which it is used. If you are in a boardroom, you are likely talking about departments. If you are in a history class, you might be discussing the divisions of a country after a war. If you are in a math class, you are looking at numbers. Understanding these nuances is key to mastering the word. The word also appears in biology to describe the classification of plants, though 'phylum' is used for animals. This scientific application shows just how far-reaching the concept of 'divisions' is across different fields of study. It is a word that emphasizes the parts rather than the whole, focusing on the lines that separate one thing from another.

Using 'divisions' correctly requires an understanding of its plural nature and its various semantic domains. Because it is a plural noun, it always takes a plural verb (e.g., 'The divisions are...' rather than 'The divisions is...'). When referring to organizational units, it is often preceded by a possessive or a specific name. For instance, 'The company's divisions' or 'The North and South divisions.' In this context, it functions as a count noun. You can have two, three, or many divisions. When using the word to describe disagreements, it is often paired with the preposition 'between' or 'within.' For example, 'The divisions between the two political parties' or 'Divisions within the community.' This highlights the space or gap created by the disagreement. It is also common to use adjectives to describe the nature of these divisions, such as 'deep,' 'sharp,' 'clear,' 'growing,' or 'irreconcilable.' These modifiers help the listener understand the severity of the separation.

The manager noted that the divisions of the corporation were not communicating effectively.

Mathematical Usage: Students must master long divisions before they can move on to more complex algebraic equations.
Sports Usage: The league is split into four divisions, with the winner of each division advancing to the playoffs.

In more formal or academic writing, 'divisions' can be used to describe the classification of data or concepts. You might write about the 'divisions of labor' in an economy, a concept famously explored by Adam Smith. This refers to the way different tasks are assigned to different people to increase productivity. You might also discuss the 'divisions of geological time,' such as eras and periods. In these cases, the word is used to bring order to a large amount of information. It is important to distinguish 'divisions' from 'divisiveness.' While 'divisions' are the actual parts or gaps, 'divisiveness' is the quality of causing disagreement. For example, 'The politician's speech was full of divisiveness, which only worsened the existing divisions in the country.' Using the word 'divisions' allows for a more objective description of the situation, whereas 'divisiveness' is often more critical. Another common pattern is 'the division of something into something,' but when using the plural 'divisions,' we are usually looking at the end result of that process. For example, 'The divisions of the land were clearly marked on the map.'

There are clear divisions of labor within the ant colony, with different ants performing specific roles.

Finally, consider the register of your speech. In casual conversation, you might say 'the parts' or 'the groups,' but using 'divisions' adds a level of precision and formality. It suggests a structured or significant separation. Whether you are describing the divisions of a book (chapters and sections), the divisions of a city (neighborhoods or districts), or the divisions of an army, the word implies a systematic approach to breaking down a whole. By mastering the various ways to use 'divisions,' you can more accurately describe the complex structures and social dynamics of the world around you. It is a foundational word for anyone looking to discuss business, politics, science, or mathematics at a professional level.

You will encounter the word divisions in a variety of real-world settings, ranging from the evening news to the corporate office. One of the most common places is in political journalism. News anchors and political analysts frequently discuss the 'deep divisions' within a country or a political party. They might talk about 'ideological divisions' regarding healthcare, climate change, or economic policy. In this context, the word is used to highlight the lack of consensus and the presence of conflicting viewpoints. It paints a picture of a society that is not unified, but rather split into opposing camps. You will also hear this word frequently in the business world. During quarterly earnings calls or internal company meetings, executives might discuss the performance of different 'business divisions.' They might say, 'Our European and Asian divisions saw significant growth this quarter, while the manufacturing division faced some challenges.' Here, the word is a standard piece of corporate jargon used to describe the various functional or geographic units of a large organization.

The news report focused on the growing divisions between urban and rural voters.

Military History: Documentaries about World War II often mention specific infantry divisions that played key roles in major battles.
Sports Broadcasting: Commentators often talk about 'division rivals' when two teams from the same part of the league play against each other.

In educational settings, 'divisions' is a staple of the mathematics curriculum. Teachers will use the word when instructing students on how to perform calculations. You might hear a teacher say, 'Today we are going to practice our long divisions.' It is also used in the sciences, particularly in biology and geology, to describe the classification of organisms or time periods. In a university lecture on sociology, a professor might discuss 'social divisions' based on race, gender, or socioeconomic status, exploring how these separations affect people's lives and opportunities. Even in the world of sports, the word is ubiquitous. Sports fans and commentators constantly refer to 'division standings' or 'division titles.' In leagues like the NFL or MLB, teams are grouped into divisions, and winning one's division is a major milestone on the way to the championship. You might hear a fan say, 'Our team is currently at the top of the Western Division.'

The professor explained the different divisions of the plant kingdom during the biology lab.

Furthermore, the word appears in legal and administrative contexts. Governments often have various 'administrative divisions,' such as provinces, states, counties, or districts. These divisions help the government manage the population and provide services more effectively. In a courtroom, a judge might discuss the 'division of assets' during a divorce or the 'division of property' in a real estate dispute. In these cases, the word refers to the legal process of splitting something between two or more parties. As you can see, 'divisions' is a word that permeates almost every aspect of public life. Whether you are following the news, working in an office, studying for an exam, or watching a game, you are likely to encounter this word. Its ability to describe both physical organization and abstract conflict makes it an indispensable part of the English language.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with the word divisions is confusing it with the singular form 'division' or the related adjective 'divisive.' While 'division' refers to the act of separating or a single unit, 'divisions' refers to multiple units or multiple instances of disagreement. For example, saying 'There is many division in the company' is grammatically incorrect; it should be 'There are many divisions in the company.' Another frequent error is using 'divisions' when 'divisiveness' is more appropriate. 'Divisiveness' describes the quality of causing people to disagree, whereas 'divisions' are the disagreements themselves. For instance, you would say 'The leader's rhetoric was full of divisiveness,' not 'full of divisions.' However, you could say 'The leader's rhetoric created many divisions.' Understanding this subtle difference between the state of being divided and the act of causing division is crucial for advanced proficiency.

Incorrect: The divisions of the pizza was not equal.
Correct: The division of the pizza was not equal.

Subject-Verb Agreement: Learners often forget that 'divisions' is plural. Always use plural verbs: 'The divisions are clear,' not 'The divisions is clear.'
Confusion with 'Dividends': In financial contexts, 'divisions' (parts of a company) is sometimes confused with 'dividends' (money paid to shareholders). They are completely different concepts.

Another area of confusion is the use of prepositions. As mentioned earlier, 'divisions' is typically followed by 'between' (when comparing two or more groups) or 'within' (when looking inside a single group). Using 'of' can sometimes be correct, as in 'the divisions of the company,' but using 'to' or 'for' is usually incorrect in this context. For example, you wouldn't say 'the divisions to the people,' but rather 'the divisions among the people.' Additionally, learners sometimes struggle with the mathematical usage. While 'division' is the name of the operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division), 'divisions' is rarely used to describe the operation itself unless referring to multiple specific problems, like 'I have ten divisions to complete for homework.' In most cases, you would say 'I am doing division,' not 'I am doing divisions.'

Incorrect: There are deep divisions for the two groups.
Correct: There are deep divisions between the two groups.

Finally, be careful with the word 'sections.' While 'divisions' and 'sections' are often synonyms, 'divisions' usually implies a larger, more formal, or more significant separation. A book has sections, but a large army or a multinational corporation has divisions. Using 'divisions' for very small things might sound unnatural. For example, you wouldn't usually say 'the divisions of an orange' unless you were speaking very formally; 'segments' or 'pieces' would be more common. By paying attention to these common pitfalls—subject-verb agreement, confusion with related words, preposition usage, and appropriate scale—you can use 'divisions' with the precision and confidence of a native speaker. It is a word that requires a good grasp of both grammar and context to use effectively.

When you want to describe the act of separating or the resulting parts, there are several alternatives to divisions, each with its own nuance. The most common synonyms are 'sections,' 'departments,' 'segments,' and 'factions.' Understanding when to use each one will greatly enhance your vocabulary. 'Sections' is a very general term that can be used for almost anything that is part of a larger whole, from a newspaper to a piece of fruit. It is less formal than 'divisions.' 'Departments' is specifically used for organizational units, especially in government, universities, or smaller businesses. While a large company might have several 'divisions,' each division might be further broken down into 'departments.' For example, the 'Sales Division' might have a 'Customer Service Department.' 'Segments' is often used in marketing and geometry. You might talk about 'market segments' or 'line segments.' It implies a part that has been cut off or separated from the rest.

Divisions vs. Factions: 'Divisions' is a neutral term for disagreements, while 'factions' implies small, often contentious groups within a larger organization that are actively working against each other.
Divisions vs. Branches: 'Branches' is often used for physical locations (like bank branches) or evolutionary lines, whereas 'divisions' usually refers to functional units.

If you are talking about disagreements, synonyms like 'splits,' 'rifts,' 'schisms,' or 'disunity' might be appropriate. A 'split' is a general term for a separation, often used in sports or politics (e.g., 'a split in the party'). A 'rift' suggests a break in a previously friendly relationship, often implying that it will be difficult to repair. 'Schism' is a much more formal and serious word, usually reserved for major breaks in religious or political organizations. 'Disunity' is the state of not being united, which is the result of having many divisions. In a military context, you might use 'units' or 'formations' as alternatives, though 'division' has a very specific meaning regarding size and command. In mathematics, there are no real synonyms for 'divisions' as a plural noun, though you might talk about 'problems' or 'calculations.'

The factions within the party were at odds over the new tax proposal, reflecting the broader divisions in the country.

When choosing an alternative, consider the scale and the tone of your message. 'Divisions' is a powerful word because it can be both a neutral descriptor of organization and a serious descriptor of conflict. If you want to sound more professional, 'divisions' or 'departments' are good choices. If you want to emphasize the emotional or social impact of a separation, 'rifts' or 'schisms' might be better. By understanding the subtle differences between these similar words, you can express yourself more clearly and accurately. For instance, describing a 'rift' between friends sounds much more personal than describing 'divisions' between them. Conversely, talking about the 'sections' of a multinational corporation would sound slightly unprofessional compared to using the word 'divisions.' Mastery of these synonyms allows you to tailor your language to your specific audience and purpose.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The root '-videre' in 'divide' is related to the word 'widow,' which originally meant a woman who has been 'separated' from her husband.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /dɪˈvɪʒ.ənz/

US /dɪˈvɪʒ.ənz/

The primary stress is on the second syllable: di-VI-sions.

Rhymes With

decisions provisions visions revisions collisions precisions incisions omissions

Common Errors

Pronouncing the 's' in the middle like a hard 'z' (as in 'visit') instead of the soft 'zh' sound.
Putting the stress on the first syllable: DI-visions.
Pronouncing the end as 'shuns' instead of 'zhunz.'
Confusing the pronunciation with 'devices.'
Muttering the middle syllable so it sounds like 'di-shuns.'

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

The word is common in news and textbooks, making it essential for intermediate readers.

Writing 4/5

Using it correctly to describe abstract disagreements requires a good grasp of prepositions.

Speaking 3/5

The pronunciation of the 'zh' sound can be tricky for some learners.

Listening 3/5

It is easily recognized in context, though it can sound like 'decisions' if spoken quickly.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

divide part section group share

Learn Next

divisive faction schism restructure consensus

Advanced

stratification fragmentation partitioning sectoral taxonomy

Grammar to Know

Plural Noun Agreement

The divisions are (not is) clearly marked.

Preposition 'Between' vs 'Within'

Divisions between groups (external) vs divisions within a group (internal).

Countable vs Uncountable

We can count 'three divisions,' but 'division' as a concept can be uncountable.

Adjective Placement

Deep divisions (adjective before noun) or the divisions are deep.

Possessive Nouns with Divisions

The company's divisions (possessive shows ownership).

Examples by Level

The teacher showed us the divisions of the clock.

La maestra nos mostró las divisiones del reloj.

Plural noun used to describe parts of a whole.

We made three divisions in the garden for flowers.

Hicimos tres divisiones en el jardín para las flores.

Refers to physical separations.

There are four divisions in this box of chocolates.

Hay cuatro divisiones en esta caja de chocolates.

Describes physical compartments.

The divisions of the year are the four seasons.

Las divisiones del año son las cuatro estaciones.

Used to categorize time.

Can you see the divisions on the ruler?

¿Puedes ver las divisiones en la regla?

Refers to measurement markings.

The pizza has eight equal divisions.

La pizza tiene ocho divisiones iguales.

Synonym for slices or parts.

The book has many divisions called chapters.

El libro tiene muchas divisiones llamadas capítulos.

Describes structural parts of a book.

We need divisions for the team colors.

Necesitamos divisiones para los colores del equipo.

Refers to grouping people.

The company has two main divisions: sales and support.

La empresa tiene dos divisiones principales: ventas y soporte.

Common business usage for departments.

Our school is split into junior and senior divisions.

Nuestra escuela está dividida en divisiones junior y senior.

Refers to educational levels.

He is very good at doing long divisions in math.

Él es muy bueno haciendo divisiones largas en matemáticas.

Refers to mathematical operations.

The city has five administrative divisions.

La ciudad tiene cinco divisiones administrativas.

Refers to geographic/political areas.

The football league has three divisions.

La liga de fútbol tiene tres divisiones.

Standard sports terminology.

There are clear divisions between the different age groups.

Hay divisiones claras entre los diferentes grupos de edad.

Describes social grouping.

The divisions of the hospital are easy to find.

Las divisiones del hospital son fáciles de encontrar.

Refers to medical departments.

We marked the divisions on the map with a red pen.

Marcamos las divisiones en el mapa con un bolígrafo rojo.

Refers to drawn boundaries.

The divisions between the two political parties are growing.

Las divisiones entre los dos partidos políticos están creciendo.

Refers to ideological disagreements.

The manager tried to heal the divisions within the team.

El gerente intentó sanar las divisiones dentro del equipo.

Metaphorical use for internal conflict.

The country was split into several military divisions during the war.

El país se dividió en varias divisiones militares durante la guerra.

Specific military unit terminology.

There are deep divisions in society regarding this new law.

Hay profundas divisiones en la sociedad con respecto a esta nueva ley.

Describes widespread social disagreement.

The divisions of the corporation operate almost independently.

Las divisiones de la corporación operan casi de forma independiente.

Refers to corporate structure.

The sharp divisions in the committee led to a stalemate.

Las marcadas divisiones en el comité llevaron a un punto muerto.

Adjective 'sharp' used to describe intensity.

The divisions of the book help the reader follow the story.

Las divisiones del libro ayudan al lector a seguir la historia.

Refers to organizational structure.

He studied the divisions of the local government.

Él estudió las divisiones del gobierno local.

Refers to administrative branches.

The economic divisions in the city are becoming more apparent.

Las divisiones económicas en la ciudad se están volviendo más evidentes.

Refers to socioeconomic gaps.

The merger created several new divisions within the global firm.

La fusión creó varias divisiones nuevas dentro de la firma global.

Refers to large-scale business restructuring.

The divisions of labor in the factory were highly efficient.

Las divisiones del trabajo en la fábrica eran muy eficientes.

Refers to the concept of 'division of labor'.

Cultural divisions can sometimes lead to misunderstandings.

Las divisiones culturales a veces pueden llevar a malentendidos.

Refers to differences in values or traditions.

The report highlighted the divisions between the rich and the poor.

El informe destacó las divisiones entre los ricos y los pobres.

Refers to societal inequality.

The divisions of the army were deployed to the border.

Las divisiones del ejército fueron desplegadas en la frontera.

Formal military usage.

The divisions of the project were assigned to different teams.

Las divisiones del proyecto fueron asignadas a diferentes equipos.

Refers to breaking down a large task.

The divisions of the earth's crust are called tectonic plates.

Las divisiones de la corteza terrestre se llaman placas tectónicas.

Scientific/Geological usage.

The sectarian divisions in the region have historical roots.

Las divisiones sectarias en la región tienen raíces históricas.

Refers to deep religious or political splits.

The divisions of power within the government are strictly defined.

Las divisiones de poder dentro del gobierno están estrictamente definidas.

Refers to the 'separation of powers'.

The divisions of the plant kingdom are based on specific traits.

Las divisiones del reino vegetal se basan en rasgos específicos.

Technical biological classification.

The divisions of the soul were a central theme in ancient philosophy.

Las divisiones del alma eran un tema central en la filosofía antigua.

Abstract philosophical usage.

The divisions of the budget were debated for several weeks.

Las divisiones del presupuesto se debatieron durante varias semanas.

Refers to allocation of funds.

The divisions of the poem reflect the author's changing mood.

Las divisiones del poema reflejan el estado de ánimo cambiante del autor.

Refers to literary structure.

The divisions of the geological time scale are vast.

Las divisiones de la escala de tiempo geológico son vastas.

Refers to eras, periods, and epochs.

The divisions of the property were finalized in court.

Las divisiones de la propiedad se finalizaron en el tribunal.

Refers to legal distribution of assets.

The irreconcilable divisions in the discourse led to a total breakdown in communication.

Las divisiones irreconciliables en el discurso llevaron a una ruptura total en la comunicación.

Uses 'irreconcilable' to show extreme separation.

The divisions of the empire were the primary cause of its eventual collapse.

Las divisiones del imperio fueron la causa principal de su eventual colapso.

Refers to historical geopolitical fragmentation.

The divisions of the text into various layers of meaning require careful analysis.

Las divisiones del texto en varias capas de significado requieren un análisis cuidadoso.

Refers to hermeneutics and literary theory.

The divisions of the psyche, as described by Freud, include the id, ego, and superego.

Las divisiones de la psique, según lo descrito por Freud, incluyen el ello, el yo y el superyó.

Refers to psychoanalytic theory.

The divisions of the electorate were exploited for political gain.

Las divisiones del electorado fueron explotadas para obtener beneficios políticos.

Refers to the manipulation of social groups.

The divisions of the musical piece into distinct movements are quite unconventional.

Las divisiones de la pieza musical en movimientos distintos son bastante poco convencionales.

Refers to formal structure in music.

The divisions of the land were marked by ancient stone walls.

Las divisiones de la tierra estaban marcadas por antiguos muros de piedra.

Refers to historical land boundaries.

The divisions of the scientific community over the theory were intense.

Las divisiones de la comunidad científica sobre la teoría fueron intensas.

Refers to academic debate and disagreement.

Common Collocations

deep divisions

business divisions

administrative divisions

political divisions

sharp divisions

military divisions

class divisions

clear divisions

internal divisions

geographical divisions

Common Phrases

heal the divisions

— To try to bring people together after a major disagreement. It is often used by leaders.

The new president promised to heal the divisions in the nation.

bridge the divisions

— To find a way to connect two groups that have very different ideas. It suggests finding common ground.

We need a policy that can bridge the divisions between urban and rural areas.

divisions of labor

— The way a large task is split into smaller jobs for different people. It is a key concept in economics.

The divisions of labor in the factory helped increase production.

long divisions

— A method of doing complex mathematical division problems by hand. It is a common school topic.

I spent all evening practicing my long divisions for the test.

divisions of power

— The separation of government into different branches to prevent any one person from having too much control.

The constitution ensures clear divisions of power between the courts and the president.

across the divisions

— Involving people from all the different groups or sides of a disagreement.

The message of peace resonated with people across all social divisions.

create divisions

— To cause people to disagree or to split a group into smaller parts.

The controversial decision only served to create more divisions in the community.

overcome divisions

— To succeed in bringing people together despite their differences.

The team had to overcome their internal divisions to win the championship.

marked by divisions

— Characterized by significant disagreements or separations.

The history of the region is marked by deep ethnic divisions.

divisions of time

— The way time is categorized into specific periods, like eras or seasons.

The divisions of time in geology are based on changes in the earth's layers.

Often Confused With

divisions vs divisiveness

Divisiveness is the quality of causing disagreement, while divisions are the actual disagreements or parts.

divisions vs dividends

Dividends are payments made to shareholders, while divisions are parts of a company.

divisions vs devices

Devices are tools or machines; the word sounds similar but has a completely different meaning.

Idioms & Expressions

"a house divided against itself cannot stand"

— If a group is split by internal divisions, it will eventually fail or collapse. This is a famous biblical and political idiom.

The manager warned the staff that a house divided against itself cannot stand.

formal/literary

"fall into divisions"

— To start disagreeing and splitting into smaller, opposing groups. It suggests a loss of unity.

The committee fell into divisions over how to spend the remaining funds.

neutral

"sow the seeds of division"

— To do or say things that will cause people to disagree and split apart in the future.

His constant criticism of his colleagues sowed the seeds of division in the office.

metaphorical

"the great divide"

— A major and significant difference or disagreement between two groups. While 'divide' is singular here, it is related to the concept of divisions.

There is a great divide between the younger and older generations on this issue.

journalistic

"line of division"

— The specific point or issue that separates two groups. It is the boundary of a disagreement.

The line of division in the debate was clearly about money.

neutral

"deep-seated divisions"

— Disagreements that have existed for a long time and are very difficult to change.

The deep-seated divisions in the community date back several decades.

formal

"exploit divisions"

— To use existing disagreements between people for one's own advantage. It is often used in a negative way.

The rival company tried to exploit the divisions within our management team.

neutral

"narrow the divisions"

— To reduce the differences or disagreements between two groups.

The mediator's goal was to narrow the divisions between the union and the employer.

neutral

"sharpen the divisions"

— To make disagreements or separations more obvious and intense.

The recent scandal has only served to sharpen the divisions in the party.

neutral

"entrenched divisions"

— Separations or disagreements that are so firmly established that they are unlikely to change.

The entrenched divisions in the region make peace negotiations very difficult.

formal

Easily Confused

divisions vs division

Singular vs. Plural

Division is the act or a single unit; divisions refers to multiple units or multiple disagreements.

The division of the company was successful, but the divisions between managers remained.

divisions vs sections

Synonyms

Sections is more general and less formal; divisions implies a larger or more significant separation.

The book has ten sections, but the army has ten divisions.

divisions vs factions

Synonyms for disagreement

Factions are specific groups within a larger one that are often in conflict; divisions is a more general term for the split.

The divisions in the party led to the formation of two rival factions.

divisions vs departments

Business context

Departments are usually smaller units within a division.

The Marketing Division contains the Social Media Department.

divisions vs rifts

Synonyms for disagreement

Rifts usually refers to a break in a relationship; divisions is more structural or ideological.

The divisions in the church caused a rift between the two families.

Sentence Patterns

The [Noun] has [Number] divisions.

The school has two divisions.

There are [Adjective] divisions between [Group A] and [Group B].

There are deep divisions between the two neighbors.

He is working in the [Name] division.

He is working in the shipping division.

The [Noun] was marked by [Adjective] divisions.

The meeting was marked by internal divisions.

To [Verb] the divisions within the [Noun].

To heal the divisions within the community.

The divisions of [Concept] are [Adjective].

The divisions of power are essential for democracy.

Exploiting the [Adjective] divisions for [Noun].

Exploiting the social divisions for political gain.

The [Adjective] nature of the divisions suggests [Noun].

The irreconcilable nature of the divisions suggests a long conflict.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in business, news, and academic contexts.

Common Mistakes

The divisions between the team is clear. → The divisions between the team are clear.
Divisions is a plural noun and requires a plural verb.
He is doing his long division for homework. → He is doing his long divisions for homework.
If there are multiple problems, use the plural form 'divisions.'
The leader's speech was full of divisions. → The leader's speech was full of divisiveness.
Divisiveness is the quality of causing disagreement; divisions are the disagreements themselves.
There are divisions for the two groups. → There are divisions between the two groups.
Use 'between' to show the gap or separation between two distinct entities.
The company has four divide. → The company has four divisions.
'Divide' is usually a verb; 'divisions' is the noun form used for organizational units.

Tips

Use for Large Groups

Use 'divisions' when talking about large organizations like armies or multinational corporations. It sounds more professional than 'groups'.

Subject-Verb Agreement

Always remember that 'divisions' is plural. 'The divisions are...' is correct. 'The divisions is...' is incorrect.

Pair with Adjectives

To sound more like a native speaker, use adjectives like 'deep,' 'sharp,' or 'clear' before 'divisions' when talking about disagreements.

Prepositions Matter

Use 'between' for divisions between two groups and 'within' for divisions inside one group.

Formal Tone

In academic essays, 'divisions' is a great word to describe how a topic or a society is structured.

Pronunciation

Focus on the 'zh' sound in the middle. It should sound like the 's' in 'pleasure'.

Corporate Structure

When describing your company, use 'divisions' to refer to the major branches of the business.

League Talk

Use 'divisions' when discussing league standings or rivalries between teams in the same group.

Math Problems

While the operation is 'division,' you can use 'divisions' to refer to several specific problems you are solving.

Conflict Resolution

Phrases like 'bridge the divisions' or 'heal the divisions' are very useful in discussions about peace and teamwork.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'DI-visions' as 'DI-fferent' 'visions'. When people have different visions for the future, it creates divisions between them.

Visual Association

Imagine a large office building with clear glass walls separating different teams. Each glass wall is a division that keeps the teams organized but separate.

Word Web

Separate Parts Math Army Company Disagreement Boundary Section

Challenge

Try to use 'divisions' in three different ways today: once for a company, once for a disagreement, and once for a physical object.

Word Origin

The word 'divisions' comes from the Latin 'divisio,' which is the noun form of the verb 'dividere.' 'Dividere' itself is made of 'di-' (apart) and '-videre' (to separate or see). It entered Middle English via Old French.

Original meaning: The original meaning in Latin was the act of separating or distributing something into parts.

It is part of the Indo-European language family, specifically the Italic branch, which led to the Romance languages and heavily influenced English.

Cultural Context

When discussing 'racial divisions' or 'religious divisions,' be careful as these are sensitive topics. The word itself is neutral, but the context can be emotional.

In the UK Parliament, a 'division' is a formal vote where MPs walk through lobbies. In the US, it's more common in sports and corporate talk.

Abraham Lincoln's 'House Divided' speech (related to divisions). The 'Division' video game series (post-apocalyptic setting). Joy Division (a famous English post-punk band).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Business and Corporate

divisional manager
corporate divisions
restructure the divisions
profitability of the divisions

Politics and Society

political divisions
social divisions
heal the divisions
deep-seated divisions

Mathematics and Education

long divisions
practice divisions
mathematical divisions
divisions of the curriculum

Military and History

infantry divisions
armored divisions
command a division
divisions of the empire

Sports and Leagues

division standings
division title
division rivals
move up a division

Conversation Starters

"Do you think the divisions in our society are getting better or worse?"

"How many divisions does the company you work for have?"

"Did you find learning long divisions difficult when you were in school?"

"Which sports division does your favorite team play in?"

"How can a leader help to heal divisions within a small team?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you experienced divisions within a group of friends. How was it resolved?

Write about the different divisions of your daily routine and how they help you stay organized.

Reflect on the political divisions in your country. What do you think is the main cause?

If you were to start a large company, what kind of divisions would you create and why?

Discuss the divisions of labor in your household. Is the work shared fairly?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Yes, 'divisions' is the plural form of 'division.' If you are talking about more than one part or more than one disagreement, you must use the plural form. For example, 'The company has three divisions.'

Yes, but usually in the context of schoolwork or multiple problems. You might say, 'I have five divisions to do for my homework.' However, the operation itself is usually called 'division' (singular).

In a large company, a 'division' is usually a very large part of the business (like the 'Asian Division'). A 'department' is often a smaller group within that division (like the 'Accounting Department').

You can use it to describe disagreements. For example, 'There are deep divisions between the voters on this issue.' This means the voters have very different and conflicting opinions.

It is a neutral to formal word. It is very common in business, news, and academic writing. In casual conversation, people might use 'parts' or 'splits' instead.

In the military, a division is a large unit of soldiers, usually between 10,000 and 20,000 people. So, 'military divisions' refers to several of these large groups.

It is grammatically correct, but it sounds a bit formal. Most people would say 'the pieces of an apple' or 'the segments of an apple' (if it's an orange).

These are the ways a country is split up for government purposes, like states, provinces, or counties. For example, 'France is split into several administrative divisions called regions.'

It is a common phrase meaning to try to bring people back together and make them agree again after they have had a big fight or disagreement.

Yes, many sports leagues are split into 'divisions' based on where the teams are located. For example, the 'East Division' and the 'West Division.'