adj
Uncommon
divisive
dih-VEYE-sihv
Divisive (adj) means tending to cause disagreement or split opinion between people. Example: “It was one of the most divisive issues in the election campaign.”
adj
1
Tending to cause disagreement or split opinion between people.
"It was one of the most divisive issues in the election campaign."
"His comments were seen as needlessly divisive."
How to use divisive
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that pulls people into opposing camps rather than bringing them together.
Common pairings
a divisive figure
divisive politics
highly divisive
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more divisive
- Superlative
- most divisive
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It was one of the most _____ issues in the election campaign.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin dīvīsīvus, itself from dīvidō, "to divide".
Synonyms
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factious
dissentious
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for divisive
See all rhymes for divisive →Frequently asked questions
What does “divisive” mean?
The word “divisive” means tending to cause disagreement or split opinion between people. In plain terms, something that pulls people into opposing camps rather than bringing them together.
How do you pronounce “divisive”?
“Divisive” is pronounced dih-VEYE-sihv (/dɪˈvaɪsɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “divisive” in a sentence?
Here is “divisive” used in a sentence: “It was one of the most divisive issues in the election campaign.”
What is the opposite of “divisive”?
The opposite of “divisive” — its antonyms — are combinative and agglomerative.
What part of speech is “divisive”?
“Divisive” is an adjective.
Where does the word “divisive” come from?
The word “divisive” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Latin dīvīsīvus, itself from dīvidō, "to divide".
Is “divisive” a common word?
“Divisive” is an uncommon word in modern English.
