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