Divisive — Tricky SAT Vocabulary Word
This one's tricky! DIVISIVE most nearly means: A) harmonious; B) mundane; C) obscure; D) polarizing. Answer inside.
This one has flummoxed students every time it shows up in class or on the test. Be sure you know it.
📚️ Definition of Divisive
Divisive (adjective): Tending to cause disagreement, conflict, or hostility among people, especially by splitting a group into sharply opposing sides. Example: a deeply divisive new policy.
🗣️ Pronunciation of Divisive
IPA: /dɪˈvaɪ.sɪv/ (See IPA key)
Respelling: dih-VY-siv
📰 Examples of Divisive
Here are some examples of the word divisive:
There was a pretty divisive debate online some years ago about whether a hot dog qualifies as a sandwich.
The International Astronomical Union’s 2006 decision to reclassify Pluto as a dwarf planet was enormously divisive within the scientific community.
🧠 Summary of Divisive
Definition: Divisive means tending to cause disagreement or hostility, especially by splitting a group into opposing sides.
Real-world connection: Humans cannot exist together peacefully; divisive topics constantly arise. Any issue that makes people pick a side and dig in is, by definition, divisive.
SAT relevance: Divisive is a strong candidate for vocabulary-in-context questions, especially in passages about social issues, historical debates, or persuasive rhetoric.
The correct answer on the quiz above is D) polarizing.
Thanks for learning today!