To divide means to separate something into parts or groups. When you divide a pizza among friends, you cut it into slices so everyone gets a share. In math, when you divide 12 by 3, you're splitting 12 into 3 equal groups of 4.

Division shows up everywhere in daily life. A teacher might divide the class into teams for a project. A family might divide household chores so everyone contributes. When you divide your time between homework and play, you're splitting your hours between different activities.

The word can also describe things that separate people or create disagreement. A controversial rule might divide a community into those who support it and those who oppose it. Mountains can divide one region from another, creating a natural boundary. The Civil War divided the nation into North and South.

A division is the result of dividing: the math division 20 ÷ 4 = 5, or a separated section like the youth division of a soccer league. Something divisive causes disagreement and splits people apart.