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

The question now is whether he can turn a divisive book into an ending that feels suitably epic and genuinely satisfying.

From Los Angeles Times

Birmingham's Curzon Street Station is currently taking shape in the heart of the city but the divisive high-speed railway project has been plagued by serious challenges.

From BBC

BBC Sport looks at the key questions going into the divisive match.

From BBC

But in terms of the particular message the Queen was trying to convey, this dress is divisive.

From BBC

People have said, “This is a commentary on AI. This is a commentary on divisive politics. This is a commentary on the pandemic lockdown.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• disruptive