dichotomy
A division into two opposing or contrasting parts
Examples
In a meeting
“There's a false dichotomy between work quality and speed—we can achieve both.”
Over coffee
“The dichotomy between her public confidence and private anxiety was striking.”
Why this word
division
Division is any separation; dichotomy specifically means division into two mutually exclusive parts
split
Split is informal separation; dichotomy emphasizes a sharp conceptual division into two opposing categories
contrast
Contrast shows differences; dichotomy specifically presents two contradictory or opposing elements
Usage tip
Use to describe binary divisions, especially when challenging oversimplified either/or thinking. Often paired with 'false.'
Etymology
Greek 'dikhotomia' meaning 'a cutting in two'
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Related words
partition
To divide into separate sections or parts
synthesis
The combining of separate elements to form a coherent whole
syllogism
A logical argument with two premises leading to a conclusion
empiricism
The belief that knowledge comes from observation and experience
paradox
A seemingly contradictory statement that may nonetheless be true
premise
An underlying assumption on which reasoning is based