Trichotomy (Noun)
Meaning
Being threefold; a classification into three parts or subclasses.
Classification
Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects.
Examples
- The ancient Greek philosopher proposed a trichotomy of the soul, dividing it into reason, spirit, and appetite.
- In biology, the classification of living organisms into animals, plants, and fungi represents a fundamental trichotomy.
- The psychologist's theory of human motivation was based on a trichotomy of needs: physiological, safety, and self-actualization.
- The company's product line was organized around a trichotomy of customer segments: individual consumers, small businesses, and large enterprises.
- The philosopher's concept of time was based on a trichotomy of past, present, and future, each with its own distinct characteristics.