divisive
Americanadjective
-
causing or tending to cause disagreement or dissension
-
archaic having the quality of distinguishing
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of divisive
First recorded in 1590–1600; from Late Latin dīvīsīvus, equivalent to Latin dīvīs(us) ( see divisible) + -īvus adjective suffix ( see -ive)
Explanation
If you say something that is intended to make people angry with each other, your words are divisive. If you want to avoid divisive talk at your family's Thanksgiving dinner, it's probably best to avoid discussing politics. The adjective divisive is related to the verb divide, which means "to separate things or pull them apart." Divisive things divide. That's why it's best to avoid potentially divisive topics like politics if you believe you are in the company of people who have differing opinions. Don't confuse divisive with decisive, which means "able to make decisions" and "unmistakable, beyond a doubt."
Vocabulary lists containing divisive
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Hamilton
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President Obama's Farewell Address
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He said the Met had considered the reputational risks of using the "divisive" technology, but added that it helped identify "unacceptable, dishonest, corrosive behaviours" among officers.
From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026
And yet, when he describes the Spencers as William and Harry’s “blood family,” it’s also clear that it’s a squabble for supremacy, divisive and inflammatory.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 9, 2026
The glasses are divisive, and have been labelled by some as "pervert glasses" because they can be used to film covertly.
From BBC ● Oct. 8, 2026
Beyond experts in communication, the trend of having to text before you call is also divisive.
From Salon ● Sep. 30, 2026
Even more divisive and controversial was the swelling chorus calling to completely outlaw American slavery.
From "In the Shadow of Liberty" by Kenneth C. Davis
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
