What does divisive mean?
Divisive is an adjective describing something that causes people to disagree sharply or splits a group into opposing camps. A policy, statement, leader, or decision may be called divisive when it provokes strong, conflicting reactions rather than broad agreement. The word carries a mildly negative connotation, implying that the discord generated is significant or harmful, though it does not necessarily judge the thing itself — a divisive figure may be admired by half the population and rejected by the other half. It appears constantly in political and cultural commentary: elections, reforms, court rulings, and public debates are routinely described as divisive. Related forms include the adverb divisively and the noun divisiveness. Derived from the Latin dividere, meaning 'to divide' or 'to force apart,' the word entered English in the seventeenth century and remains a precise way to signal that a subject polarizes opinion rather than merely attracting criticism.
adjectiveTending to cause disagreement, argument, or division among people; creating a split or conflict within a group.
- Tending to create disagreement or hostility between people; causing division within a group.
"The proposed tax reform proved deeply divisive, splitting the party down the middle."
"Immigration remains one of the most divisive topics in modern politics."
"Her blunt management style was divisive, earning fierce loyalty from some staff and resentment from others."
From the Latin for 'to force apart,' divisive is what happens when one issue is strong enough to pull an entire community in two directions at once.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of divisive
Divisive derives from the Latin dividere, meaning 'to divide' or 'to separate,' via the Late Latin divisivus. It entered English in the early 17th century as a term for that which divides or causes division. It shares its root with words such as division, dividend, and individual, all tracing back to the same Latin verb.
Related word forms
How divisive is actually used
Neutral to mildly negative in connotation; frequently used in political and social commentary. Commonly intensified with adverbs such as 'deeply,' 'highly,' or 'profoundly.' Standard in both formal journalism and everyday speech across British and American English.
Easily confused with divisive
'Divisive' means causing disagreement or splitting people apart, while 'decisive' means showing firmness and the ability to make clear decisions.