All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
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.

Was this answer helpful?

Important Questions from Synonyms or Antonyms

  1. Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options, (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

    He had the audacity to blame him.

  2. Directions: Each item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four options, (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response accordingly.

    There is exponential growth in the development of the scientific researches in the recent few decades.

  3. Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    The itinerary of the group’s visit to the hills was given to everyone. 

  4. Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words/group of words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is nearest in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    All mortal elements are impermanent.

  5. Directions : Item in this section consists of a sentence with an underlined word followed by four words (a), (b), (c) and (d). Select the option that is opposite in meaning to the underlined word and mark your response in the Answer Sheet accordingly.

    The novel depicts the hapless status of certain sections of society.  

Need Expert Advice?

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App