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Question

In the following question, out of the given four alternatives, select the one which best expresses the meaning of the given word.

Divisive

The correct answer is

Conflicting

Understanding the Meaning of Divisive

The question asks us to find the word that best expresses the meaning of the word "Divisive". Let's break down the meaning of "Divisive" and analyze the given options.

Definition of Divisive

The word Divisive is an adjective used to describe something that causes disagreement or hostility between people. It tends to create divisions or splits within a group.

For example, a "divisive issue" is one that causes strong disagreement and separates people into opposing sides.

Analyzing the Options

Let's examine each option provided:

  • Agreeing: This means having the same opinion or being in harmony. This is the opposite of causing disagreement or division. Therefore, "Agreeing" is not the correct meaning of Divisive.
  • Conflicting: This means incompatible or clashing. Things that are conflicting are in opposition to each other, often leading to disagreement or dispute. This aligns closely with the idea of causing divisions or hostility.
  • Cooperating: This means working together towards a common goal. This implies unity and collaboration, which is the opposite of causing divisions. Therefore, "Cooperating" is not the correct meaning of Divisive.
  • Unifying: This means bringing people or things together to form a single unit or entity. This is the opposite of causing divisions. Therefore, "Unifying" is not the correct meaning of Divisive.

Comparing Divisive and Conflicting

The word "Divisive" describes something that *causes* conflict or division. The word "Conflicting" describes things that *are* in conflict or opposition. While not a perfect synonym, "Conflicting" is the option that best captures the essence of disagreement and opposition inherent in the meaning of "Divisive" among the choices provided.

Therefore, out of the given alternatives, "Conflicting" best expresses the meaning of "Divisive".

Final Answer Explanation

Based on the analysis, the word that best expresses the meaning of "Divisive" is "Conflicting". Divisive issues lead to conflicting opinions and create divisions.

Word Meaning Relation to Divisive
Divisive Tending to cause disagreement or hostility; creating divisions. Target word.
Agreeing Having the same opinion; in harmony. Opposite.
Conflicting Incompatible; clashing; in opposition. Closest meaning among options; implies disagreement/opposition.
Cooperating Working together. Opposite.
Unifying Bringing together. Opposite.

The word "Conflicting" accurately reflects the nature of something that is divisive, as it involves opposition and disagreement that leads to separation.

Revision Table: Divisive Vocabulary

Word Type Meaning Summary Example
Divisive Adjective Causing disagreement/division A divisive political issue.
Conflicting Adjective Incompatible; clashing Conflicting reports on the event.
Agreeing Verb/Adjective Having same opinion Everyone was agreeing on the plan.
Cooperating Verb/Adjective Working together Cooperating on a project.
Unifying Verb/Adjective Bringing together A unifying message.

Additional Information: Synonyms and Antonyms of Divisive

Understanding synonyms and antonyms can further clarify the meaning of "Divisive".

  • Synonyms: Separating, alienating, isolating, discordant, disruptive, factious.
  • Antonyms: Unifying, uniting, harmonizing, conciliatory, agreeable.

Comparing "Divisive" with its synonyms and antonyms reinforces why "Conflicting" is the best choice among the given options, as it shares the core idea of disagreement and opposition that creates separation.

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Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms

  1. A sentence with an underlined word is given below. Select the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word.

    Whether the rewards arein commensurate withthe efforts or not, a society will always have workaholics and the shirk workgroups.

  2. The following question consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words. Select the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

    Wars leave behind a large number ofemaciatedsoldiers in the camps of both the victorious and the vanquished.

  3. A sentence with an underlined word is given below. Select the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word.

    There was amammothgathering to listen to the leader.

  4. The following question consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words. Select the word that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

    The audience thoroughly enjoyed thehilariousdrama.

  5. A sentence with an underlined word is given below. Select the most appropriate antonym for the underlined word.

    The writer’seruditionin science is revealed in every page of the book.

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