divider

/dɪˈvaɪdə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · [dɪvˈaɪdɚ] /dɪˈvaɪdər/ (ame, ipa) · [dɪvˈaɪdɚ] /də-ˈvī-dər How to pronounce divider (audio)/ (ame, mw)

divider — noun

1. an object or marked line that keeps one area, group, or part separate from anoth

1.名詞B2
釋義

an object or marked line that keeps one area, group, or part separate from another.

例句

A glass divider separates the noisy cafe from the study area.

divider separates one area from another

The teacher drew a divider down the middle of the board for two teams.

draw a divider down the middle

同義詞
  • partition

    often a larger fixed panel inside a room or office

  • separator

    more general and often used for objects that keep things apart

  • screen

    can divide space too, but often also blocks the view

文法句型

put a divider between + two spaces/things

draw a divider down/across + surface

用法筆記

This sense usually names a fixed panel, strip, or line that separates spaces or items. Distinguish from sense 2: sense 1 stays in place, while sense 2 is a tool you hold in your hand.

常見錯誤

❌The divider joined the two shelves.
✅The divider kept the two shelves separate.
💡a divider separates parts instead of linking them.

2. a drawing tool with two pointed metal arms joined at one end, used to measure di

2.名詞B2
釋義

a drawing tool with two pointed metal arms joined at one end, used to measure distances or mark equal spaces.

例句

Selim used a divider to mark equal spaces around the circle.

use a divider to mark equal spaces

The art teacher checked the map width with a brass divider.

check width with a divider

同義詞
  • pair of dividers

    the fuller technical name for this instrument

  • measuring compass

    older or more technical label in drafting contexts

  • calipers

    another measuring tool, but its jaws compare thickness rather than mark spaces on paper

文法句型

use a divider to mark + distance/space

open/set the divider to + width

用法筆記

This sense appears in drawing, design, and map work and often follows verbs such as use, open, or set. Distinguish from a compass: a divider copies distance, while a compass usually carries a pencil for drawing circles.

常見錯誤

❌Use a divider to draw the circle.
✅Use a compass to draw the circle.
💡a divider measures or transfers distance; it does not hold the pencil point for the circle.

3. a topic that splits people because they hold strongly different views about it.

3.名詞B2
釋義

a topic that splits people because they hold strongly different views about it.

例句

School uniforms remain a divider between parents in the town.

remain a divider between groups

For many voters, tax policy is still the main divider.

the main divider in a debate

同義詞
  • fault line

    figurative and often used for deep social or political division

  • sticking point

    focuses on the part that prevents agreement

  • flashpoint

    stresses that the issue can quickly cause anger or conflict

反義詞
  • common ground

    the part people agree on instead of the point that separates them

文法句型

be/remain + a divider + between/among + people

become + a divider + in + group/debate

用法筆記

This sense is common after be, remain, or become and usually refers to the issue itself, not the people arguing. Distinguish from sense 1: here divider names the cause of disagreement rather than a physical barrier.