divisive

American  

[dih-vahy-siv, -vis-iv] / dɪˈvaɪ sɪv, -ˈvɪs ɪv /

adjective

1. forming or expressing division or distribution.

2. creating dissension or discord.

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divisive British  

/ dɪˈvaɪsɪv /

adjective

1. causing or tending to cause disagreement or dissension

2. archaic having the quality of distinguishing

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of divisive

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

Example Sentences

But not all of his achievements have been popular - and some have been highly divisive.

From BBC

The last of those cuts was unusually divisive, with Powell arguing in favor to insure against the risks of a sharper slowdown in the labor market.

From The Wall Street Journal

"What we're dealing with here is an issue that is divisive, where people have different feelings depending on where they come from. It's something that we have to respect," he said.

From BBC

This forced him to announce he will step down as party leader, opening the way for a potentially divisive contest between a black and white candidate to succeed him.

From BBC

Of the thousands of rules and regulations adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commission, none are as divisive as the Shareholder Access Rule.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• disruptive