great divide: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Journalistic, Academic
Quick answer
What does “great divide” mean?
A significant and fundamental difference or separation between two groups, concepts, or conditions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A significant and fundamental difference or separation between two groups, concepts, or conditions.
Often refers to a wide gap in wealth, opportunity, ideology, or understanding that is difficult to bridge. It can also refer to a major geographical feature, notably the Continental Divide in North America.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, it's primarily metaphorical (e.g., social class, digital access). In the US, it is frequently used both metaphorically and literally for the Continental Divide (the line separating river systems flowing to different oceans).
Connotations
UK: Often connotes class, generational, or educational divides. US: Carries strong geographical connotations alongside social/economic ones.
Frequency
Moderately frequent in political/social commentary in both varieties. Higher literal usage frequency in US geography contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “great divide” in a Sentence
[the] great divide between X and Y[the] great divide in [noun][verb] the great divideVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “great divide” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The policy aims to great-divide the haves from the have-nots. (Rare, non-standard)
American English
- The Rockies great-divide the continent's watersheds. (Rare, non-standard)
adverb
British English
- The teams were thinking great-divide apart. (Non-standard)
American English
- Their views stood great-divide opposed. (Non-standard)
adjective
British English
- They faced a great-divide issue in the negotiations. (Rare, non-standard)
American English
- We studied the Great Divide Basin in Wyoming. (Proper noun as adjective)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to the gap between high and low earners, or between technologically advanced and lagging companies.
Academic
Used in sociology, economics, and geography to discuss inequality, digital access, or watersheds.
Everyday
Used to describe a major disagreement or difference in perspective within a family or community.
Technical
In geography, a precise term for a continental divide.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “great divide”
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “great divide”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “great divide”
- Using 'big divide' (less idiomatic), confusing with 'Grand Canyon' (specific landmark).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Mostly, as it highlights problematic separation or inequality. In a geographical context, it is neutral.
No, it is reserved for significant, fundamental, and wide-ranging differences.
'Great divide' is more emphatic, suggesting a division that is major, historic, or very difficult to overcome.
It is a two-word compound noun, often hyphenated when used as a modifier before another noun (e.g., a great-divide issue).
A significant and fundamental difference or separation between two groups, concepts, or conditions.
Great divide is usually formal, journalistic, academic in register.
Great divide: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt dɪˈvaɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪt dəˈvaɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “crossing the great divide (also euphemism for dying)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GREAT mountain range (the Divide) that is so big it separates two completely different worlds.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIFFERENCE IS PHYSICAL DISTANCE / SEPARATION IS A BARRIER.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'the Great Divide' most commonly used as a proper noun?