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

His decision to combine his Northern Ireland job with Blackburn Rovers was divisive among supporters and media, but he was adamant taking on the job would not impact the World Cup play-off.

From BBC

Although the country has formally returned to civilian rule, efforts to address past abuses have been slow and, at times, deeply divisive.

From BBC

Showboating can, though, be divisive, deemed disrespectful in the wrong circumstances - what those performing tricks see as a legitimate way to beat an opponent can sometimes lead to heavy treatment.

From BBC

This was a fossilized program taking on a divisive, peripatetic local who’d pledged his prior job was going to be his “last job.”

From The Wall Street Journal

Still, given the bank’s warning that it would not print imagery that it considered “divisive” or “exclusive,” you can guess the thinking.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• disruptive