How Do You Spell DICHOTOMOUS?

Pronunciation: [da͡ɪkˈɒtəməs] (IPA)

Dichotomous is an adjective that describes something that is divided into two parts. Its spelling may seem difficult, but it can be broken down into syllables: di-cho-tom-ous. The stress is on the second syllable, which is pronounced as /kəˈtɑːməs/. The "di" prefix means two, the "cho" comes from the Greek word "kháttein," which means to cut, and the "tomous" comes from the Greek word "tomḗ," which means section. Therefore, dichotomous means divided into two sections.

DICHOTOMOUS Meaning and Definition

1. Dichotomous is an adjective that refers to a characteristic or condition of being divided or categorized into two distinct and often contrasting parts or attributes. Derived from the Greek term "dichotomia" meaning "division into two parts," it signifies a clear separation or dichotomy between two opposing ideas, options, or aspects.

   In a dichotomous context, an individual or entity is perceived as being categorized distinctly into one of two opposing categories. This division usually involves mutually exclusive and contrasting qualities, traits, or outcomes. It highlights the stark contrast and inherent opposition between two distinct elements, with little to no overlap or middle ground.

   Furthermore, dichotomous can also describe a style of classification or decision-making that relies on dividing entities into two separate groups based on specific criteria. It describes a process of grouping or sorting that seeks to simplify complex concepts or systems by reducing them to binary choices.

   The term is often used in various fields such as biology, logic, social sciences, and philosophy to illustrate the division, contrast, or contradiction between two opposing concepts or alternatives. By employing a dichotomous approach, researchers and thinkers are able to analyze, compare, or classify phenomena by focusing on the binary nature of their attributes or characteristics.

2. In bot., having the divisions always in pairs.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for DICHOTOMOUS *

• dichotomus 100%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for DICHOTOMOUS

• dicotomous
• dychotomous
• dichotomious
• sichotomous
• xichotomous
• cichotomous
• fichotomous
• richotomous
• eichotomous
• duchotomous
• djchotomous
• dkchotomous
• dichotomos
• dichogamouss
• dichotomyus
• dicotamous

Etymology of DICHOTOMOUS

The word "dichotomous" comes from the Greek word "dichotómēs", which is a combination of "dícha" meaning "in two" or "apart" and "témnein" meaning "to cut". It was formed by combining these elements to describe something that is divided into two parts or characterized by division. The term "dichotomous" is often used in reference to a classification system or a way of thinking that categorizes things into two distinct and opposite groups.

Similar spelling words for DICHOTOMOUS

• dichotomise,
• dichotomize,
• dichotomy,
• dichotomously.