1. division into three parts, classes, or categories
Usage: formal; academic

Examples

• The philosopher proposed a trichotomy of mind, body, and spirit.
• The trichotomy of executive, legislative, and judicial branches forms the basis of government.
• Researchers established a trichotomy of personality types in their study.
• The trichotomy between past, present, and future shapes our understanding of time.
• The classification system uses a trichotomy of beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels.
• Ancient Greek philosophy often employed a trichotomy of thesis, antithesis, and synthesis.