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Divisive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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divisive

[dɪˈvaɪsɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

politics

Tending to cause disagreement or hostility between people.

Synonyms

contentious, controversial, polarizing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
divisive

Used when something causes significant disagreement and splits people into opposing groups. It often has a negative connotation.

  • The president's new policy is highly divisive, causing uproar among different communities.
  • Religion can be a divisive topic during family gatherings.
contentious

Applied to situations, issues, or topics that generate debate, argument, or disagreement. It directly refers to the likelihood of conflict.

  • The new law is very contentious and has led to numerous debates in the parliament.
  • The meeting was contentious, with many participants openly disagreeing.
polarizing

Describes something that leads people to adopt extreme opposing views, often emphasizing the creation of stark differences. It frequently has a negative connotation.

  • The candidate's speech was polarizing, further dividing the supporters and opponents.
  • Certain television shows can be polarizing, eliciting strong reactions from different audience segments.
controversial

Used for subjects that provoke public discussion and disagreement, often sparking widespread debate. It can refer to topics that are sensitive or not easily settled.

  • The artist's latest exhibition is controversial, attracting both praise and criticism.
  • Her views on education reform are controversial and have stirred considerable public debate.

Examples of usage

  • The issue of immigration has been highly divisive in the recent political debates.
  • His divisive comments sparked a heated argument among the members of the committee.
Context #2 | Adjective

social

Creating disunity or dissension.

Synonyms

discordant, disruptive, schismatic.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
divisive

Use this word when describing something that causes disagreement or hostility between people.

  • The politician's speech was highly divisive, splitting the audience into two opposing camps
discordant

This word is appropriate for describing something that is in conflict or disagreement, often used in a more metaphorical or artistic sense.

  • The discordant notes in the music piece were meant to evoke a sense of tension and unease
disruptive

Use this word when referring to something that causes interruption or disturbance, often in a more practical or physical sense.

  • The student's disruptive behavior during the lecture made it difficult for others to concentrate
schismatic

This term is best used in religious or organizational contexts, where it refers to actions or behaviors that cause a split or division within a group.

  • The church faced a schismatic event that led to the formation of a new sect

Examples of usage

  • The controversial decision proved to be divisive among the team members.
  • Her divisive behavior led to conflicts within the community.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Divisive topics often trigger strong emotions and lead to polarization in opinions and beliefs.
  • Humans tend to form in-group and out-group dynamics, making divisive issues especially challenging to discuss.
  • Cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias, can exacerbate divisive situations by leading individuals to favor information that supports their existing beliefs.

Politics

  • Divisive rhetoric is frequently used in political campaigns to mobilize supporters and drive a wedge between different groups.
  • Issues like immigration, healthcare, and climate change are often cited as divisive in political discourse.
  • Political polarization can impact legislative processes and create gridlock due to the unwillingness to compromise.

Social Media

  • Social media platforms can amplify divisive discussions, creating echo chambers where only similar views are echoed.
  • Hashtags or trending topics often highlight divisive opinions, influencing public perception and engagement.
  • Studies show that divisive content tends to generate more engagement and shares compared to neutral topics.

Pop Culture

  • Famous films or songs that tackle divisive subjects can lead to heated debates among audiences.
  • Reality TV often highlights divisive situations for entertainment, showing how conflict can attract viewers.
  • Cultural events, like award shows, can also become divisive over certain political statements made by participants.

Origin of 'divisive'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'dividere', which means 'to divide'.
  • It first appeared in English in the early 19th century, often in discussions about politics and social issues.
  • The prefix 'di-' means 'two' or 'apart', highlighting the idea of splitting.

The word 'divisive' originates from the Latin word 'divisivus', which means 'to divide'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 17th century. The concept of causing division or disagreement has been prevalent throughout history, especially in political and social contexts.

See also: dividable, divide, divided, dividend, dividends, divider, dividers, dividing, divisible, division, divisor, divisors, misdivide, redivide, subdivide, subdivision, undivided.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,990, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.