dichotomy
Meaning: A division or contrast between two things that are presented as entirely different or opposed.
Dichotomy is frequently used in academic and professional writing to describe a sharp division between two categories — such as nature versus nurture, public versus private, or theory versus practice. The term can also imply that such a division is oversimplified or false (a 'false dichotomy'). In botany, dichotomy refers to repeated branching into two equal parts.
Examples
- The dichotomy between theory and practice is less clear-cut than many textbooks suggest. 理论与实践之间的二分法并不像许多教科书所暗示的那样泾渭分明。La dicotomía entre teoría y práctica es menos nítida de lo que muchos manuales sugieren.理論と実践の間の二分法は、多くの教科書が示唆するほど明確ではありません。이론과 실천 사이의 이분법은 많은 교과서가 시사하는 것만큼 명확하지 않습니다.
- Critics argue that the nature-nurture dichotomy is a false one, since both factors interact constantly. 批评者认为先天与后天的二分法是一种虚假的对立,因为两者始终在交互作用。Los críticos argumentan que la dicotomía naturaleza-educación es falsa, ya que ambos factores interactúan constantemente.批評家たちは、先天と後天の二分法は誤りであると主張しています。なぜなら、両方の要因が常に相互作用しているからです。비평가들은 선천-후천의 이분법이 잘못된 것이라고 주장합니다. 왜냐하면 두 요인이 끊임없이 상호작용하기 때문입니다.
- There is a growing dichotomy between urban and rural communities in terms of political outlook. 城市与农村社区之间在政治观点上的分化日益加剧。Existe una creciente dicotomía entre las comunidades urbanas y rurales en cuanto a perspectiva política.政治的見方に関して、都市部と農村部のコミュニティの間の二分化が進んでいます。정치적 관점에서 도시와 농촌 공동체 사이의 이분화가 심화되고 있습니다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, professional, media
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Greek dichotomia (a cutting in two), from dicha (in two, asunder) and temnein (to cut). Entered English in the late 16th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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