divisibility: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “divisibility” mean?
The property of being able to be divided, especially in mathematics where one integer can 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 where one integer can be divided by another without leaving a remainder.
The quality of being separable into parts or sections; susceptibility to division or fragmentation, which can apply to physical objects, abstract concepts, or social groups.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American academic texts due to larger STEM publication volume, but the difference is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “divisibility” in a Sentence
divisibility of [NOUN] by [NUMBER]divisibility into [PARTS]divisibility among [GROUP]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “divisibility” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The theorem helps you determine which numbers divide evenly.
- We need to see if 15 divides by 4.
American English
- The rule determines if a number is divisible by three.
- Check if the total divides evenly by the number of participants.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in discussions about splitting assets, shares, or company divisions.
Academic
Very common in mathematics and logic. Appears in philosophy regarding the 'infinite divisibility' of matter.
Everyday
Very rare. Would be marked as a highly formal or technical word.
Technical
Core term in number theory, abstract algebra, and discrete mathematics.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “divisibility”
- Misspelling as 'divisiblity' (missing the second 'i').
- Using it as a synonym for 'division' (the process, not the property).
- Pronouncing it as /daɪˈvɪz.ə.bɪl.ə.ti/ (with a long 'i').
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, especially evenly.
Yes, but it's less common and often metaphorical or formal. For example, 'the divisibility of a nation' refers to its susceptibility to being split or fragmented.
The most common spelling error is omitting the second 'i', writing 'divisiblity'. Another is confusing it with the adjective 'divisible'.
The related verb is 'divide'. 'Divisibility' is a noun derived from the adjective 'divisible', which comes from the verb 'divide'.
The property of being able to be divided, especially in mathematics where one integer can be divided by another without leaving a remainder.
Divisibility is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Divisibility: 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
- “A house divided cannot stand (related conceptual idiom about the dangers of divisibility)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'visible' in the middle: if you can SEE how to split something (like a number into equal parts), it has divisibility.
Conceptual Metaphor
NUMBERS ARE OBJECTS (that can be split into smaller, equal pieces).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'divisibility' MOST commonly and precisely used?