What does divisively mean?
'Divisively' is an adverb describing actions, speech, or policies that split people into opposing camps rather than bringing them together. When someone behaves divisively, they say or do things that provoke disagreement, resentment, or open conflict — often along political, social, or ideological lines. The word carries a strongly negative connotation and is most at home in journalism, politics, and public discourse: commentators might note that a leader campaigned divisively, that an issue was divisively debated, or that rhetoric was deliberately divisive. It derives from the verb 'divide', tracing back to the Latin 'dividere' ('to force apart, to separate'), which also gave English 'division' and 'dividend'. Understanding this word is useful because it names a recognizable phenomenon — communication designed to set people against one another — and offers a precise, critical term for it. Its noun counterpart is 'divisiveness', and its adjective form is simply 'divisive'.
adverbIn a manner that tends to cause disagreement, division, or hostility among people; in a way that splits opinion or sets groups apart.
- In a manner that causes division or disagreement among people or groups.
"The senator's remarks on immigration were divisively framed, alienating voters on both sides."
"The new policy was divisively received, splitting the board down the middle."
"He spoke divisively about his former colleagues during the interview."
From Latin 'dividere' — the same root as 'dividend' — 'divisively' describes words that don't just differ, but actively split people apart.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of divisively
'Divisively' derives from the adjective 'divisive', which comes from the Late Latin 'divisivus', from the past participle stem of the Latin verb 'dividere', meaning 'to divide or separate'. The root 'vid-' relates to separation and apportionment, and it underlies related English words such as 'division', 'divide', and 'dividend'. The adverb formed in English by adding the standard '-ly' suffix to 'divisive', following the regular pattern of English adverb formation.
Related word forms
How divisively is actually used
Carries a strongly negative connotation; typically used to criticize speech, policies, or behavior that polarizes rather than unites. Common in political and journalistic register.
Easily confused with divisively
'Decisively' means with firmness and resolution, while 'divisively' means in a way that creates division or discord.