Words / C1

di-VYS-iv/dɪˈvaɪsɪv/

Divisive means causing people to split into opposing groups: a divisive policy, divisive language. Polarising is a close twin; unifying sits opposite; controversial is wider and milder. A press note before the embargo is a leak, however “robust” the spin.

Meaning

Causing people to disagree and form opposing groups.

Examples

• “A divisive press note before the embargo is still a breach, not “robust debate”.”
• “Polarising is the close twin. Controversial is milder. Factional (already in the dictionary) is inside one body. Debate has two recorded sides. A timestamped embargo is a rule. Wait; then argue.”

Good to know

Tending to split people into camps. Close: polarising. Milder: controversial. Robust debate ≠ an embargo breach.

Near in meaning

polarising

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