bisect: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, technical, academic
Quick answer
What does “bisect” mean?
to divide something into two equal parts, especially by cutting or splitting.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to divide something into two equal parts, especially by cutting or splitting
to intersect or cross something; to divide into two sections, not necessarily equal; in mathematics, to divide an angle or line segment into two equal parts
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation follow standard UK/US patterns.
Connotations
Neutral in both varieties; slightly technical/formal register.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, primarily used in academic, mathematical, and technical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bisect” in a Sentence
bisect somethingbe bisected by somethingVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bisect” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new railway will bisect the countryside.
- Can you bisect this 90-degree angle?
- The path bisects the wood neatly.
American English
- The highway bisects the state.
- Use a compass to bisect the line segment.
- The canyon bisects the plateau.
adverb
British English
- The cut was made bisectly through the centre. (Rare/technical)
American English
- The boundary runs bisectly through the property. (Rare/technical)
adjective
British English
- The bisect line was drawn in red.
- They studied the bisect plane of the crystal.
American English
- Find the bisect point of the arc.
- The bisect angle is 45 degrees.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in strategic planning, e.g., 'The new highway will bisect the industrial estate.'
Academic
Common in mathematics, geometry, biology, and geography. 'The equator bisects the Earth.'
Everyday
Very rare. If used, it's for precise division, e.g., 'Bisect the cake carefully.'
Technical
Standard term in geometry, engineering, cartography, and anatomy. 'The laser will bisect the target.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bisect”
- Using 'bisect' for unequal division.
- Using it in casual conversation where 'split' or 'divide' is more natural.
- Misspelling as 'bysect' or 'bisecte'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while it is a standard term in geometry, it can be used in other contexts like geography, biology, and general description to mean 'divide into two (often equal) parts'.
Yes, it can be used metaphorically, e.g., 'The issue bisected public opinion,' though this is less common and formal.
The related nouns are 'bisection' (the act of bisecting) and 'bisector' (the line or point that bisects something).
Yes. 'Intersect' means to cross or cut through something, but not necessarily into equal halves. 'Bisect' specifically implies division into two equal parts.
to divide something into two equal parts, especially by cutting or splitting.
Bisect is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Bisect: in British English it is pronounced /baɪˈsekt/, and in American English it is pronounced /baɪˈsekt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bisect the difference (rare)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'BI' (two) + 'SECT' (cut) = cut into two.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIVISION IS CUTTING; SYMMETRY IS BALANCE
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'bisect' most appropriately used?