divisive

[dih-vahy-siv, -vis-iv]

adjective

1. forming or expressing division or distribution.

2. creating dissension or discord.

divisive

/ dɪˈvaɪsɪv /

adjective

1. causing or tending to cause disagreement or dissension

2. archaic,  having the quality of distinguishing

Other Word Forms

• divisively adverb
• divisiveness noun
• nondivisive adjective
• nondivisively adverb
• semidivisive adjective
• semidivisively adverb
• undivisive adjective
• undivisively adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of divisive¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Late Latin dīvīsīvus, equivalent to Latin dīvīs(us) ( divisible ) + -īvus adjective suffix ( -ive )

Example Sentences

He also said he was pleased there had been no investiture ceremony to mark Prince William becoming Prince of Wales in 2022, saying it could have been "divisive".

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The coalition's approach has proven divisive however in a country that has long prided itself on relatively low debt levels compared to other industrialised economies.

Read more on Barron's

"Whether they're on the left or the right, we're just not hearing enough counter narrative to the racist and divisive rhetoric that just seems to be constantly appearing on our screens."

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Yet Texas A&M is far from the only state school where divisive woke ideas endure.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It’s one thing to go public with concerns about corporate taxes or tariffs, quite another to divagate into divisive political issues such as global warming or anti-LGBTQ discrimination.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disruptive