Divisive
mediumNegative tonedih-VY-siv
adjective
Definition
Tending to cause disagreement or hostility between people
Memory hook
DIVIS-ive: causing DIVISION - like a wedge hammered into a group, splitting it apart.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The divisive policy split the party into factions.”
“His divisive comments created tension in the workplace.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ______ policy split the party into factions.”
Show answer
divisive
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Divisive is a medium-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "polarizing" or "contentious" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "unifying".
Related GRE Words
polarizing
Dividing into sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs
fragmented
Broken or separated into distinct parts; lacking unity
heretic
A person holding an opinion at odds with what is generally accepted
pugnacious
Eager or quick to argue, quarrel, or fight
quarrelsome
Given to or characterized by quarreling
dichotomy
A division or contrast between two things that are represented as being opposed or entirely different
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