dichotomize
Divide in two
To dichotomize is to divide something into two mutually exclusive parts or categories: The debate dichotomizes complex issues into simple pro and con positions.
The division is typically sharp and clean, leaving no middle ground.
Critics often use the word to suggest oversimplification: We shouldn't dichotomize emotion and reason as if they're opposites.
Consisting of two parts
- contrastNotable difference between things
- polarityState of opposing forces
- antithesisDirect opposite; contrasting juxtaposition
- oppositionActive resistance or dissent
either-or · black-and-white · all-or-nothing · antagonism · conflict · contradiction · juxtaposition · counterpoint
Separation into parts
- bisectDivide into two equal portions
- halveDivide into two
- partitionBarrier separating spaces
- segmentDistinct part of whole
separate · cleave · sever · subdivide · dissect · demarcate · bifurcate · fractionate
Consisting of two parts
- dualismPhilosophy of opposed pairs
- yin-yangChinese duality symbol
- complementaryMutually supplying lacks
- pairedJoined as two
double · bipartite · two-sided · dual · ambivalence · coexistence · interdependence · symmetry
binary
Consisting of two parts
- contrastNotable difference between things
- polarityState of opposing forces
- antithesisDirect opposite; contrasting juxtaposition
opposition · either-or · black-and-white · all-or-nothing · antagonism · conflict · contradiction · juxtaposition · counterpoint · versus
split
Separation into parts
segment · separate · cleave · sever · subdivide · dissect · demarcate · bifurcate · fractionate · categorize
twofold
Consisting of two parts
- dualismPhilosophy of opposed pairs
- yin-yangChinese duality symbol
- complementaryMutually supplying lacks
paired · double · bipartite · two-sided · dual · ambivalence · coexistence · interdependence · symmetry · mirrored
dichotomizenuance
Slight shade of difference
complicate · pluralize · diversify · gradate · differentiate