Dichotomy
/daɪˈkɒtəmi/noun
A division or contrast between two things that are represented as being opposed or entirely different.
Did you know?In ancient philosophy, dichotomies were often seen as a cosmic struggle between light and dark, reflecting the duality of existence itself.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
διχοτομία (dichotomía)
“The act of cutting in two.”
Late Latin
Latin
dichotomia
“A division into two parts, especially in philosophical contexts.”
16th Century
Middle French
dichotomie
“A division into two parts, especially in logic and reasoning.”
Modern English
English
dichotomy
“A conceptual division between two contrasting ideas or categories.”
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