Meaning & use
sharp divide
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Meaning
nouncountable
A very clear and strong difference of opinion or separation between two groups of people.
Grammar: Countable; often used with 'a' or 'the'. It is usually followed by 'between' or 'over'.
Patterns
- a sharp divide between A and B
- a sharp divide over something
- a sharp divide in something
There is a sharp divide between the two parties on climate policy.
The vote revealed a sharp divide in the country.
A sharp divide over funding has slowed the talks.
Word forms
| plural | sharp divides |
|---|
Common combinations
- a sharp divide between
- The report shows a sharp divide between rich and poor neighborhoods.
- a sharp divide over
- There is a sharp divide over how to spend the money.
- create a sharp divide
- The new rule could create a sharp divide among members.
- a sharp divide remains
- A sharp divide remains between the two sides.
Synonyms and how they differ
- split
- More informal and can also mean a tear or a division of something physical; 'sharp divide' emphasizes how clear the separation is.
- rift
- Suggests a serious break in a relationship; 'sharp divide' is more neutral and often about opinions or groups.
- gulf
- Emphasizes a wide distance between people or ideas; 'sharp divide' stresses the clear line between sides.
Opposites
Commonly confused: sharp divide or sharp division?
sharp divide vs sharp division
Very similar in meaning, but 'division' is more formal and often used for organizational or mathematical splitting.
Practice
The survey found a sharp divide ______ younger and older voters.
Choose one answer.
Use 'between' when two groups are clearly named. 'Among' is used for more than two groups or when the groups are not specified; 'with' and 'from' do not fit this pattern.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “sharp divide”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.