divisive

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'divisive' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that causes disagreements between people or groups, especially something political or ideological. For example, "The controversial new law proved to be highly divisive, with many people speaking out against it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whatever the outcome, the battle will surely be very divisive in the country and may well propel Scotland out of the UK.

The Guardian

If she hopes to remain a player she would be wise to shelve any thought of publishing vengeful diaries, usually a divisive step even before the Mail has bought lucrative serialisation rights and sexed them up.

The Guardian

"I also welcome the fact that Queen's has shown the corporate courage to tackle sensitive and controversial and potentially divisive issues".

The Guardian

Suddenly and surprisingly, at what many thought was the end of a long career at the heart of EU politics, Juncker has become the most divisive figure in Europe.

The Guardian

However, in Hungary's cash-strapped hospitals, such a move has proved divisive, as new doctors who have signed five-year handcuff agreements can now be earning more than senior specialists.

The Guardian

While the Coalition rightwinger has a reputation for being divisive and abrupt, McGowan seems to want to give the voters of Indi a big collective hug.

The Guardian

Yet just a few years later, he was the most divisive figure in the coalition: it was not merely the unions expressing no confidence, but also the school heads and Lib Dem colleagues, with whom he had once got on especially well.

The Guardian

Every day in office the Howard government played the divisive politics of non-government schools versus government schools.

The Guardian

From Salford to the Syrian border, the question of how to respond to multiculturalism remains fraught and divisive.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Voice alumnus scored a breakout hit with God Made Girls, which proved as popular as it was divisive, and her debut EP is filled with similar songs like For a Boy that take a wide-eyed approach to young love.

The Guardian - Music

Some Conservatives said his address, focusing on her faith and personal kindness, would do more to strengthen her political legacy than many of the more divisive, political eulogies delivered in the past week by her former colleagues.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "divisive", consider the intensity of the disagreement or separation it implies. Choose a more nuanced word if the situation doesn't warrant strong opposition. For instance, use "controversial" if you want to imply public disagreement or disapproval.

Common error

Avoid using "divisive" when a milder term would suffice. Not every disagreement is a deep division. Using "divisive" inappropriately can exaggerate the situation and make your writing seem hyperbolic.

Linguistic Context

The word "divisive" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe something that causes disagreement, separation, or discord. It is used to characterize issues, policies, figures, or even pieces of art that provoke strong opposing viewpoints. Ludwig provides numerous examples supporting this function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

9%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "divisive" is a commonly used adjective that accurately describes something causing significant disagreement or separation. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently in diverse contexts, especially news and media. When using "divisive", it's important to consider the degree of disagreement and choose more descriptive terms when something is just mildly controversial. The related phrases and examples provided offer valuable insights into its nuanced application and potential alternatives. While commonly seen in News and Media its usage also extends to formal business and science. Be mindful of overuse and ensure a fitting context for maximum impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

polarizing

Indicates a sharp division into opposing factions or groups.

controversial

Implies causing public disagreement or disapproval, often related to a moral or ethical issue.

contentious

Suggests a tendency to cause arguments or disputes.

inflammatory

Describes something that is likely to provoke anger or strong negative reactions.

discordant

Describes a lack of harmony or agreement, often in opinions or ideas.

antagonistic

Indicates active hostility or opposition.

factious

Implies the existence of internal dissent or conflict within a group.

disruptive

Suggests causing disturbance or problems, interrupting the normal course of events.

alienating

Suggests causing someone to feel isolated or estranged.

schismatic

Relates to a division or split within a religious or political organization.

FAQs

How can I use "divisive" in a sentence?

You can use "divisive" to describe something that causes significant disagreement or separation within a group or society. For example, "The new policy proved to be highly divisive." Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

What are some alternatives to "divisive"?

Alternatives include "controversial", "contentious", or "polarizing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something is "very divisive"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct and commonly used to emphasize the degree to which something causes division or disagreement. The examples from Ludwig confirm this usage.

What's the difference between "divisive" and "controversial"?

"Divisive" implies a split or separation, while "controversial" suggests public disagreement or debate. Something "controversial" may not necessarily be "divisive", and vice versa.