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

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

Yang summed up his own tenure in terms of the divisive holiday drink he was peddling.

From Salon

January’s decision will also likely be divisive and could set the tone for the year to come.

From Barron's

Related Words

• disruptive