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Devide Vs. Divide, Which One Should We Use In Writing?

Devide Vs. Divide, Which One Should We Use In Writing?

When writing in English, it is common to find words that are misspelled, which is the case for devide and divide. Divide means that something is being broken into other parts. On the other hand, devide is an incorrect word not valid because it is spelled incorrectly.

The word devide is incorrect because it is obsolete. The original word is ‘divide, ‘which means distributing something into two or several parts. Or to split groups into subgroups. In writing, we use it as an adjective in sentences to highlight when something is separated.

Devide vs. Divide

The etymology for the word divide comes from the early 14th century. It means to separate something into parts or pieces. Coming from the Latin dividere’ (to force apart, separate, classify). It assimilates from dis- ‘apart’ and videre ‘to separate.’ The initial *d is reinforced by di- in Latin.

After the 14th century, the word ‘divide’ was associated with disagreement, caused by an opinion that separated a group into two parts or subgroups.

On the other hand, it is uncertain when people started using ‘devide’ in daily conversations or writing. But, ‘devise’ was a similar word used in the 13th century in Latin, also coming from ‘divide.’

‘Devise’ was used to describe a plan in portions or to study and think of a plan after elaborating it in mind. Currently, in modern French, this term refers to a quick chat or gossip.

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Common Mistakes When Writing

We can find a lot of similarities in some English words and idioms. But, sometimes, the spelling of a word could change the entire meaning.

It is essential to understand how to write it and use it in sentences. Or daily conversations, precisely expressions like devide and divide. Grammar is very complex and involves many different skills. So it is okay if people struggle when spelling or trying to apply it in writing.

But some of the misspelled words could become popular accidentally. Some incorrect verbs could even become more prevalent in jargon or idioms.

There is a term called satiric misspelling. It is an intentional misspelling of a word, phrase, or name for a rhetorical purpose. This is often done by replacing a letter with another letter.

In today’s informal writing on the Internet, satiric misspelling is common. However, some of these words could be used as comparative adjectives. For example, when comparing one noun to another noun.

A few popular brands are known for purposely misspelling their names. However, this unusual spelling is frequently used for trademark considerations. Also, to optimize search engines to make them easier to read.

Spelling errors can be categorized individually. This will vary between writing and pronouncing. Words like devide and divide sound so much alike they can get confusing.

For example, orthographic errors (or writing errors) maintain the word’s correct pronunciation.

But when pronouncing it, we could accidentally substitute a letter for another, which is the case with terms like devide and divide. This is because they sound so similar, but the difference is that one is correct and the other doesn’t.

Imagine applying this situation while writing an article. Using a different letter to fasten the process to make it more personal will lead to incorrect terms. Furthermore, this will confuse the reader.

Which One To Use In Writing

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Let’s get a few clear points about the importance of coherence when writing. First, it will help you understand better where or how to use the correct wording.

Writing clearly and concisely involves:

  • Selecting your words with care and precision.
  • You are carefully constructing your sentences to eliminate deadwood.
  • We are employing proper grammar.

The general rule is to include and define terms that are important to your research. Or using it frequently throughout the story but are not well-known.

You should also include words that have a different meaning. Or a distinct purpose within the context of your research. However, you do not need to include terms that the majority will understand without the definitions.

When writing an essay, there is something called classification and division. So it perfectly fits in here to help us understand when and how to use the word ‘divide’ in writing.

Classification and division is a rhetorical style. It will take a complex situation and divide it into parts before categorizing the detailed information. We may use this rhetorical style in a single paragraph; it is very common to write an entire article using a classification and division format.

Two distinct approaches will be used in a classification and division essay. To begin, you would subdivide a complex and challenging topic for clarity and explanation. Then you’d figure out which categories are required and what information belongs in each one.

Take the example of a newspaper. The data is divided into three categories: news, advertisements, and classifieds. Readers can spot a classification-division piece by looking for words like: first, finally, to begin, next, in addition, on the other hand, for example, or then.

Depending on the topic, you will choose how ‘divide’ will stitch the best with your idea.

For example, you apply the word division for mathematical purposes to explain rational numbers or arithmetic operations. But when referring to a division of groups or splitting, the term will mean something slightly different.

Related Terms

The word ‘divide’ is not only applied when referring to the disunion of two items or groups. It also has a variety of related terms that attributes to each day’s conversations. It is used in matches, science, and other areas. It is essential to determine in which field we will be using this word to enhance the clarity of our writing.

When determining the perfect tone and emphasis while writing, we will add credibility and a serial connection to the person reading—reinforcing the argument or sentence presented. Because choosing an incorrect word or wrong term to represent an idea will undermine the description making it challenging to understand.

Aside from this, using a correct related term will create a more personal connection for the reader. The more closely the reader links to the text, the higher the level of comprehension. It will help when the topic is from an area that the reader has background knowledge from or is not a native speaker.

When someone comprehends the reading, they will engage with the material and draw on past experiences. Also, it could create new stories building a more involved association in the context building a natural bond with the user.

‘Divide’ In Math

The related term for ‘divide’ in math is division. It will be used as a method of distributing a group of things into equal parts. It is one of the four basic operations of arithmetic, which gives a fair result of sharing. The division’s primary goal is to see how many equal groups or how many in each group share pretty.

Examples:

  • The division results were uneven.
  • Math didn’t understand how division was done with such big numbers.
  • It was a large division. We had to use a calculator!

‘Divide’ In Science And Geography

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A divide in science is an elevated boundary between areas drained by different river systems. A continental divide separates an entire continent’s watersheds.

The Great Divide, for example, divides North America’s watersheds between the Pacific (west) and the Arctic, Atlantic, and Gulf of Mexico (east).

The height of divides ranges from a slight rise in the land to the crest of a mountain. The main types of divides in science are continental divides, significant ranges, and minor divides.

When two rivers run into the same body of water but do not meet, a significant divide forms. And considerable areas can be broad or narrow.

  • A minor divide separates two rivers that will eventually converge or form a confluence. Thus, Minorranges exists in the majority of river systems.
  • A continental divide is a dividing line that separates different watersheds on a continent.
  • A region may have more than two watersheds and thus more than one continental divide.

Devide

Unfortunately, since the word devide is obsolete, there are no related terms for this.

However, if you are looking for another form of utilizing the concept of ‘divide,’ near related words could be: break up, disconnect, disunite, separate, split, or unlink.

Some antonyms could be: assemble, associate, blend, combine, mingle, mix or connect.

Final Thoughts

By writing clearly and concisely, you will get right to the point. You are helping it make sense in a way that your audience will understand. That being said, “divide” is the act of dividing something into two or more parts. “Devide” on the other hand, is an obsolete form of the term.

The words we use in proper sentences can either enhance or reduce the meaning. It is resulting in your audience being lost as you speak. Therefore, it is essential to develop a strategy for selecting the most practical terms. To improve informal yet clear communication by following specific guidelines.

But when considering writing a text, it is essential to remember that not all readers have the same structure. Therefore we need to identify what direction we are going in and apply it correctly.