Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

dichotomy

/daɪˈkɑtəmi/

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: 3.09 in modern English

Syllables
di-cho-to-my
IPA
/daɪˈkɑtəmi/
20
Scrabble Score
9
Letters
4
Syllables
8
Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A separation or division into two; a distinction that results in such a division.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

Such a division involving apparently incompatible or opposite principles; a duality.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

The division of a class into two disjoint subclasses that are together comprehensive, as the division of human into female and male.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

The division of a genus into two species; a division into two subordinate parts.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

A phase of the moon when it appears half lit and half dark, for example at the quadratures.

Countable; Uncountable

noun

Division and subdivision; bifurcation, such as that of a stem of a plant or a vein of the body into two parts as it proceeds from its origin; often successive.

Countable; Uncountable

Example Sentences

Etymology

From Ancient Greek διχοτομία (dikhotomía, “dichotomy”).

Origin

Word Breakdown

  • Root: διχοτομία

Regional Pronunciation

  • American English: /daɪˈkɑtəmi/
  • British English: /daɪˈkɒtəmi/

Usage

Inflected Forms

Derived Forms

Phrases

Frequently Paired Words

Synonyms

Rhymes With

Questions

How do you pronounce dichotomy?
The recorded pronunciation is /daɪˈkɑtəmi/.
What does dichotomy mean?
A separation or division into two; a distinction that results in such a division.
Where does dichotomy come from?
It is traced to Ancient Greek.

How to pronounce dichotomy

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “dichotomy”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling (/daɪˈkɑtəmi/) so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “dichotomy”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “dichotomy” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.