polar regions: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, Academic, Scientific, Geographic
Quick answer
What does “polar regions” mean?
The areas of the Earth surrounding the North and South Poles, characterized by extreme cold, ice, and specific ecosystems.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The areas of the Earth surrounding the North and South Poles, characterized by extreme cold, ice, and specific ecosystems.
Can refer metaphorically to any extremely cold, remote, or inhospitable place or situation. In planetary science, refers to similar areas on other celestial bodies.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is identical in meaning and frequency. Minor differences in associated vocabulary (e.g., 'ice lolly' vs. 'popsicle' not relevant to the term itself).
Connotations
Identical connotations of remoteness, scientific research, climate change, and environmental concern.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK media in geopolitical contexts regarding the Arctic (due to proximity of Norway, UK, Iceland).
Grammar
How to Use “polar regions” in a Sentence
The polar regions are [adjective: melting/vulnerable/remote].Scientists study [noun: climate/ecosystems/ice] in the polar regions.There is growing concern about [noun phrase: sea level rise/permafrost thaw] in the polar regions.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “polar regions” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Scientists are increasingly polar-regions-focused in their climate models.
- The documentary polar-regionsed its narrative on melting ice.
American English
- The research initiative polar-regionsed its efforts on permafrost thaw.
- Her work effectively polar-regionses the issue of biodiversity loss.
adverb
British English
- The ice extended polar-regionsly across the horizon.
- The team travelled polar-regionsly, facing constant blizzards.
American English
- The glacier is melting polar-regionsly fast this decade.
- The base is located polar-regionsly far from any supply routes.
adjective
British English
- The polar-regions climate is changing rapidly.
- They embarked on a polar-regions expedition.
American English
- Polar-regions research is critical to understanding global warming.
- The team faced polar-regions conditions during their survey.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in sectors like tourism ('expedition cruises to the polar regions'), logistics, or resource extraction.
Academic
Very common in geography, environmental science, climatology, and biology texts.
Everyday
Used in news and documentaries about climate change, exploration, or wildlife.
Technical
Precise term in geophysics and glaciology; often specified further as 'the Arctic polar region' or 'the Antarctic polar region'.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “polar regions”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “polar regions”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “polar regions”
- Using singular 'polar region'. (Incorrect: 'The polar region is cold.' Correct: 'The polar regions are cold.'). Confusing it with 'Poles' (points) vs. 'regions' (areas).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Essentially yes. 'Polar regions' is the collective scientific/geographic term encompassing both the Arctic (North Polar region) and the Antarctic (South Polar region).
Yes, but sparsely. Indigenous populations have lived in the Arctic for millennia (e.g., Inuit, Sami). The Antarctic has no permanent indigenous population, only temporary scientific personnel.
They act as the Earth's cooling system. Changes there, like ice melt, affect global ocean currents, weather patterns, and sea levels. They are sensitive indicators ("bellwethers") of global climate change.
Anthropogenic climate change, which is causing warming at roughly twice the global average rate (polar amplification), leading to rapid ice loss, ecosystem disruption, and thawing permafrost.
The areas of the Earth surrounding the North and South Poles, characterized by extreme cold, ice, and specific ecosystems.
Polar regions is usually formal, academic, scientific, geographic in register.
Polar regions: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpəʊlə ˈriːdʒənz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpoʊlɚ ˈriːdʒənz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(as) cold as the polar regions”
- “a polar region of the mind (metaphorical for emotional coldness or isolation)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a globe with a polar bear on top and a penguin at the bottom. Both live in the POLAR REGIONS.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE POLAR REGIONS ARE THE EARTH'S REFRIGERATOR / THE POLAR REGIONS ARE THE CANARY IN THE COAL MINE FOR CLIMATE CHANGE.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a primary characteristic of the polar regions?