If there is a dichotomy between two things, there is a very great difference or opposition between them.
[formal]
There is a dichotomy between the academic world and the industrial world. [+ between]
Synonyms: division, gulf, split, separation More Synonyms of dichotomy
dichotomy in British English
(daɪˈkɒtəmɪ)
nounWord forms: plural-mies
1.
division into two parts or classifications, esp when they are sharply distinguished or opposed
the dichotomy between the mental and physical
2. logic
the division of a class into two mutually exclusive subclasses
the dichotomy of married and single people
3. botany
a simple method of branching by repeated division into two equal parts
4.
the phase of the moon, Venus, or Mercury when half of the disc is visible
▶ USAGE Dichotomy should always refer to a division of some kind into two groups. It is sometimes usedto refer to a puzzling situation which seems to involve a contradiction, but thisuse is generally thought to be incorrect
Derived forms
dichotomous (diˈchotomous) or dichotomic (ˌdaɪkəʊˈtɒmɪk)
adjective
dichotomously (diˈchotomously)
adverb
Word origin
C17: from Greek dichotomia; see dicho-, -tomy
dichotomy in American English
(daɪˈkɑtəmi)
nounWord forms: pluraldiˈchotomies
1.
division into two parts, groups, or classes, esp. when these are sharply distinguished or opposed
2. Astronomy
the appearance of the moon or of a planet when half of the surface facing the earth is illuminated
3. Biology
a dividing or branching into two equal parts, esp. when repeated
Derived forms
dichotomous (diˈchotomous) (daɪˈkɑtəməs)
adjective
dichotomously (diˈchotomously)
adverb
Word origin
Gr dichotomia: see dicho- & -tomy
Examples of 'dichotomy' in a sentence
dichotomy
There may be a false dichotomy at work here.
The Times Literary Supplement (2010)
The mess is avoidable because there is now a false dichotomy between tax cutters and fiscal conservatives.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
It is a politically potent but false dichotomy.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
But that sets up another false dichotomy.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
This is clearly a false dichotomy.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Perhaps that is a false dichotomy.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
We also continue to be presented with a false dichotomy - free trade versus protectionism.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
That is a false dichotomy; it is a total gospel.
Christianity Today (2000)
But isn't this a false dichotomy?
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Really, the dichotomy is false.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It was not easy, with a studio audience baying for blood, to point out the false dichotomy.
Susie Gilbert and Jay Shir A TALE OF FOUR HOUSES: Opera at Covent Garden, La Scala, Vienna and the Met since1945 (2003)
(noun)
Definition
division into two opposed groups or parts
a dichotomy between the academic world and the industrial world
Synonyms
division
a division into two independent factions
gulf
the gulf between rural and urban life
split
a split in the party
separation
a permanent separation from his son
polarity
the polarities of good and evil
disjunction
Usage note
Dichotomy should always refer to a division of some kind into two groups. It is sometimes used to refer to a puzzling situation, which seems to involve a contradiction, but this use is thought by many to be incorrect, and dilemma is a more appropriate alternative.
Additional synonyms
in the sense of gulf
Definition
something that divides or separates people, such as a lack of understanding
the gulf between rural and urban life
Synonyms
chasm,
opening,
split,
gap,
rent,
breach,
separation,
void,
rift,
abyss,
cleft
in the sense of polarity
Definition
the state of having two directly opposite tendencies or opinions