diˌvisiˈbility: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “diˌvisiˈbility” mean?
The property of being able to be divided, especially in mathematics: the capacity of a number to be divided by another without leaving a remainder.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The property of being able to be divided, especially in mathematics: the capacity of a number to be divided by another without leaving a remainder.
The quality or state of being capable of separation into parts or sections; the susceptibility to division, partition, or cleavage, either physically or conceptually.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent. The concept is universal in mathematics.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language but standard in mathematical and formal academic contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “diˌvisiˈbility” in a Sentence
divisibility of X by Ydivisibility into partsthe divisibility criterion/test for XVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “diˌvisiˈbility” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- One can divide 12 by 3.
- The theorem helps us divide large numbers.
American English
- You can divide 15 by 5.
- The algorithm divides the set efficiently.
adverb
British English
- The estate was divisibly inherited among the heirs.
American English
- The funds are divisibly allocated to the departments.
adjective
British English
- Twelve is divisible by four.
- A highly divisible asset.
American English
- Ten is divisible by two and five.
- The contract contained divisible obligations.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in formal discussions about splitting assets or responsibilities: 'The legal team assessed the divisibility of the merged company's liabilities.'
Academic
Common in mathematics and formal logic. Also in philosophy discussing the divisibility of matter or concepts.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would sound overly technical.
Technical
Standard term in number theory and discrete mathematics. Refers to a fundamental property of integers.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diˌvisiˈbility”
- Misspelling as 'divisability' (incorrect).
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a divisibility').
- Confusing with 'division' (the process) or 'divisor' (the number doing the dividing).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Division' is the process or operation of dividing. 'Divisibility' is the property or quality of being able to be divided evenly.
It can, but this is rare and formal. It typically describes abstract or mathematical properties. For physical splitting, words like 'separability' are more common.
The strongest collocation is 'divisibility rule' or 'test for divisibility', referring to shortcuts to determine if one number is divisible by another (e.g., a number is divisible by 3 if the sum of its digits is divisible by 3).
No, the standard and only correct spelling is 'divisibility', following the pattern of 'possible' -> 'possibility'.
The property of being able to be divided, especially in mathematics: the capacity of a number to be divided by another without leaving a remainder.
Diˌvisiˈbility is usually academic, technical in register.
Diˌvisiˈbility: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˌvɪz.əˈbɪl.ə.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˌvɪz.əˈbɪl.ə.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'visible' in the middle: if you can SEE (visualise) a number being split evenly by another, it has divis-i-bil-ity.
Conceptual Metaphor
NUMBERS ARE OBJECTS THAT CAN BE SHARED EVENLY. / WHOLENESS IS CONTAINING UNITS.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for the word 'divisibility'?