Meaning & use
segmenting
Last updated
“segmenting” is a form of “segment”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.
Meanings
verbtransitive
dividing something into separate parts or sections.
Grammar: Takes an object: segment the market. The -ing form 'segmenting' can be used as a noun (gerund).
Patterns
- segment something into something
- segment the market
- segment the data
The company is segmenting its customers into different age groups.
Segmenting the text into paragraphs makes it easier to read.
Scientists are segmenting the genome to study specific genes.
noununcountabletechnical
the act or process of dividing something into parts.
Grammar: Used as a gerund (uncountable) when referring to the activity; often followed by 'of'.
Patterns
- segmenting of something
- market segmenting
Market segmenting helps businesses target their advertising.
The segmenting of the audio file took several hours.
Proper segmenting of speech sounds is important in language learning.
Word forms
| base form | segment |
|---|---|
| third person singular | segments |
| past tense | segmented |
| past participle | segmented |
| -ing form | segmenting |
Common combinations
- market segmenting
- Market segmenting allows companies to tailor products to specific groups.
- segmenting into
- The teacher is segmenting the lesson into three parts.
- data segmenting
- Data segmenting is a key step in data analysis.
- segmenting the audience
- Segmenting the audience helps marketers create better campaigns.
Synonyms and how they differ
- dividing
- Dividing is a more general word for separating into parts, while segmenting often implies cutting into distinct sections along natural lines.
- partitioning
- Partitioning is often used in computing and law for dividing into separate parts, similar to segmenting but more formal.
- splitting
- Splitting suggests a more forceful or abrupt division, whereas segmenting is usually a planned, systematic process.
Opposites
Word family
- segment noun
- a part or section of something
- segment verb
- to divide into parts
- segmentation noun
- the process of dividing into segments
- segmented adjective
- divided into segments
Commonly confused: segmenting or segmentation?
segmenting vs segmentation
Segmentation is the noun for the process; segmenting is the -ing form of the verb, often used as a gerund. Use 'segmentation' when you need a pure noun, e.g., 'market segmentation'.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'segmenting' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The verb 'segment' takes a direct object (the market) and can be followed by 'into' to show the parts. The other options use incorrect prepositions that do not fit the pattern 'segment something into something'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “segmenting”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.