Meaning & use
subdivide
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Meanings
verbtransitive or intransitive
To divide something that has already been divided into smaller parts.
Grammar: Can take an object: subdivide the land; or be used without an object: the cells subdivide rapidly.
Patterns
- subdivide something into something
- subdivide into something
The developer subdivided the large plot into six smaller lots.
After the initial division, the project was subdivided into three phases.
verbintransitive
To divide again or further; to form smaller divisions.
Grammar: No object; often followed by 'into'.
Patterns
- subdivide into something
The company subdivided into several independent departments.
As the city grew, the neighborhoods subdivided into smaller communities.
Word forms
| third person singular | subdivides |
|---|---|
| past tense | subdivided |
| past participle | subdivided |
| -ing form | subdividing |
Common combinations
- subdivide into
- The teacher subdivided the class into four groups.
- subdivide the land
- They plan to subdivide the land and build houses.
- subdivide further
- The committee decided to subdivide the task further to save time.
Synonyms and how they differ
- divide
- More general; subdivide implies dividing something that is already a division.
- partition
- Often used for separating areas or rooms; subdivide is more about making smaller parts from a larger whole.
- split
- Can be sudden or forceful; subdivide is more systematic and often used in technical contexts.
Opposites
Word family
- subdivision noun
- A smaller part of something that has been divided.
- division noun
- The act of dividing or a part created by dividing.
Commonly confused: subdivide or divide?
subdivide vs divide
Divide is the general word; subdivide specifically means to divide again or further.
Practice
The large farm was ______ into several smaller plots for housing.
Choose one answer.
Subdivided means divided again into smaller parts. 'Divided' is more general; 'separated' and 'split' do not imply a further division of an already divided whole.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “subdivide”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.