| 释义 |
divisive, a.|dɪˈvaɪsɪv|
[f. L. type *dīvīsīv-us, f. dīvīs-: see divise and -ive. Cf. F. devisif, -ive (16th c. in Hatz.-Darm.).]
1. Having the quality or function of dividing; causing or expressing division or distribution; making or perceiving distinctions, analytical.
1603Holland Plutarch's Mor. 1341 Dualitie, which is a divisive nature. a1638Mede Treat. Daniel's Weeks Wks. iii. (1672) 700 The Hebrews want those numbers which the Grammarians call Distributive or Divisive, Terni, quaterni, quini..&c. 1659Stanley Hist. Philos. III. iii. 82 The common Sciences, as the demonstrative, the definitive, the divisive. a1688Cudworth Immut. Mor. iv. iii. (R.) With its subtle divisive power. 1831Carlyle Schiller Misc. Ess. 1872 III. 110 As the one spirit was intuitive, all-embracing..so the other was scholastic, divisive.
2. Producing or tending to division, disunion, dissension, or discord.
1642Declar. Lords & Com. to Gen. Ass. Ch. Scot., Lond. 11 Divisive motions against the Course of Reformation. 1649Milton Observ. Art. Peace, Belfast Presbyt. Wks. (1847) 261/1 Broachers of national and divisive motions. 1653Baxter Chr. Concord 6 We are not so unconscionably self-conceited or divisive, as to think we must..reject all those..that differ..from us. 1711Act of Genl. Assembly of Ch. of Scotl. (Subscription Formula, Question 6) Do you promise that you shall follow no divisive courses from the present establishment of the Church? 1829Carlyle Voltaire, Misc. (1872) II. 147 Vanity is of a divisive, not of a uniting nature.
Hence diˈvisively adv., in a divisive manner, by way of division; diˈvisiveness, the quality of being divisive, tendency to divide or split up.
a1600Hooker Eccl. Pol. viii. iv. §6 Kings..are in authority over the Church, if not collectively, yet divisively understood; that is over each particular person within that Church. 1602Warner Alb. Eng. Epit. (1612) 353 Seuerall parts or Colonies, held, deuisiuely, by seauenteene different peoples. 1837Carlyle Fr. Rev. III. iii. i. (1872) 100 So invincible is man's tendency to unite, with all the invincible divisiveness he has! 1887Pall Mall G. 29 Oct. 2/2 This, surely, of all times is not the hour for divisiveness. Every soldier is wanted..Every voice calls for union. |