divisive

What does “divisive” mean?

adjective.tending to cause disagreement or hostility between people.

SAT Usage

this term is often used in contexts related to politics, social issues, or interpersonal relationships, highlighting situations that create rifts or conflict among groups or individuals. It emphasizes the active role of certain ideas or actions in fostering contention, distinguishing itself from merely negative terms like "controversial," which do not necessarily imply a split or division.

Common Confusions

Divisive implies actively causing disagreement or hostility among groups, while controversial usually suggests generating debate or differing opinions without necessarily leading to division.

Example Sentences

• Rather than fostering unity, he becomes divisive.

Word Parts: How to Remember “divisive”

Break “divisive” into its parts: di- (apart, away). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: di- apart, away (Latin)