polarize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, academic, journalistic, scientific
Quick answer
What does “polarize” mean?
to divide or cause to divide into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to divide or cause to divide into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs
to cause something to have opposite and conflicting positions, properties, or directions; in physics, to restrict the vibrations of light waves to a single plane
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. British English may show slightly higher frequency in political journalism.
Connotations
Both varieties carry the same connotations of division and opposition. In American political discourse, it often specifically references the two-party system.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in American English in political contexts (polarizing figure/issue); equally common in scientific contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “polarize” in a Sentence
[NP] polarize [NP][NP] be polarized by [NP][NP] become polarized[ADV] polarize [NP]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “polarize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The referendum result polarized the electorate along Leave and Remain lines.
- His controversial remarks polarised opinion in the faculty meeting.
American English
- The immigration debate has polarized Congress along party lines.
- The new tax plan is polarizing voters in swing states.
adverb
British English
- The community reacted polarisedly to the planning proposal.
- Opinion was split polarisingly between the two options.
American English
- The policy was polarizingly divisive from the start.
- The debate proceeded polarizingly, with no middle ground.
adjective
British English
- It was a highly polarising issue during the election campaign.
- She gave a polarising speech that drew both cheers and boos.
American English
- He remains a polarizing figure in American politics.
- The film's ending was deliberately polarizing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Market trends can polarize consumer preferences into distinct segments.
Academic
The theory has polarized scholars into competing schools of thought.
Everyday
That new policy really polarized people in our neighbourhood.
Technical
The filter polarizes light by absorbing waves oscillating in one direction.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “polarize”
- Using 'polarize' for mild disagreement (too strong).
- Incorrect: 'The team polarized about the strategy.' Correct: 'The team was polarized over the strategy.'
- Confusing 'polarize' (create division) with 'polar' (relating to poles).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Rarely. It inherently describes division. However, one might say a work of art 'successfully polarizes' to mean it provokes strong, definitive reactions, which could be seen as a positive artistic aim.
The primary noun is 'polarization' (US) / 'polarisation' (UK).
Yes, both derive from 'pole'. 'Polar' describes things relating to poles (geographic or magnetic), or opposites. 'Polarizing' is the adjective describing something that causes polarization.
'Polarize' is stronger and more specific. It implies division into two extreme, opposite positions with little to no middle ground. 'Divide' can be into any number of groups and can involve milder separation.
to divide or cause to divide into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs.
Polarize is usually formal, academic, journalistic, scientific in register.
Polarize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpəʊ.lər.aɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpoʊ.lɚ.aɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “polarize the field”
- “a polarizing figure”
- “polarize along party lines”
- “polarize into camps”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the North and South POLES (polar-) pulling opinions apart into opposite directions (-ize makes it happen).
Conceptual Metaphor
OPPOSITION IS MAGNETIC POLES (ideas are pulled to extreme positions as if by magnetic force)
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'polarize' used most literally?