dichotomy
UK: daɪˈkɒtəmi | US: daɪˈkɑːtəmi
n. a division or contrast between two things that are entirely different or opposed
n. (biology) repeated branching into two equal parts
The word "dichotomy" originates from Greek dichotomia, combining dikho- (apart) and -tomia (cutting). It originally described a method of division into two equal parts, later extending to philosophical and rhetorical contexts to describe binary oppositions. The logical progression reflects the precision of splitting something into two distinct categories.
The dichotomy between theory and practice often complicates scientific research.
His argument presented a false dichotomy, ignoring middle-ground solutions.
In biology, the dichotomy of a plant’s branching pattern is studied for classification.
The novel explores the dichotomy of good versus evil in human nature.
Modern politics frequently reduces complex issues to simplistic dichotomies.