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Polarisation: meaning, definitions and examples

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polarisation

 

[ ˌpəʊləraɪˈzeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

physical science

The action of restricting the vibrations of a transverse wave, especially light, wholly or partially to one direction.

Synonyms

alignment, direction, orientation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
polarisation

Discussing situations where opinions, beliefs, or positions become more extreme and divided. Often used in political, social, or scientific discussions. Can have a negative connotation when referring to relationships or societies.

  • There is increasing polarisation among the voters on the issue of climate change
  • The polarisation of opinions has made it difficult to reach a consensus
alignment

Used when talking about bringing parts into proper order, agreement, or cooperation. Common contexts include teamwork, business strategies, machinery, and politics.

  • The company's goals are in alignment with the new strategy
  • Proper wheel alignment is essential for vehicle safety
orientation

Utilized when referring to the position or alignment of something relative to a reference point, or when introducing people to a new environment or situation.

  • The satellite's orientation needs to be adjusted
  • There is an orientation for new employees next Monday
direction

Mentioned when referring to the course along which someone or something moves. It can be used in physical, strategic, or abstract contexts.

  • She asked for directions to the nearest pharmacy
  • The project is heading in a positive direction

Examples of usage

  • The polarisation of light can be achieved by passing it through a polarising filter.
  • Polarisation is an important concept in the study of electromagnetic waves.
Context #2 | Noun

politics

The sharp division of a population or group into opposing factions.

Synonyms

conflict, division, split.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
polarisation

Used to describe a situation where opinions or groups are divided into two extreme opposing sides. Often seen in discussions about politics or social issues.

  • The debate on climate change has led to significant polarisation within the community.
  • Social media can sometimes exacerbate polarisation among its users.
division

Describes the act of separating something into parts or the state of being separated, often used in the context of social or political groups.

  • The division within the team led to decreased productivity.
  • There is a clear division in opinions about the new law.
split

Usually refers to a separation into parts often implying a complete and sometimes abrupt separation, can be physical, ideological, or emotional.

  • The company decided to split into two separate entities.
  • There was a split in the friendship after the argument.
conflict

Refers to a serious disagreement or argument, often involving groups or countries. It can be used for both physical confrontations and ideological disputes.

  • The conflict between the two countries has been going on for decades.
  • There was a major conflict at work over the new policy changes.

Examples of usage

  • The polarisation of political parties has made it difficult to find common ground.
  • The polarisation of public opinion on this issue is evident.

Translations

Translations of the word "polarisation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 polarização

🇮🇳 ध्रुवीकरण (Dhruvīkraṇ)

🇩🇪 Polarisation

🇮🇩 polarisasi

🇺🇦 поляризація

🇵🇱 polaryzacja

🇯🇵 偏光 (へんこう, henkō)

🇫🇷 polarisation

🇪🇸 polarización

🇹🇷 kutuplaşma

🇰🇷 편광 (pyeongwang)

🇸🇦 استقطاب (istiqtāb)

🇨🇿 polarizace

🇸🇰 polarizácia

🇨🇳 极化 (jíhuà)

🇸🇮 polarizacija

🇮🇸 skautun

🇰🇿 поляризация

🇬🇪 პოლარიზაცია (pol'arizatsia)

🇦🇿 qütbləşmə

🇲🇽 polarización

Etymology

The word 'polarisation' originated from the Latin word 'polaris' meaning 'of or relating to the pole'. It was first used in the mid 19th century in the context of physical sciences to describe the alignment of vibrations in a specific direction. Over time, the term has also been adapted to describe the sharp division or conflict within social or political groups, reflecting the opposite ends or poles of opinion or belief.

See also: nonpolar, polar, polarization, polarizing, unpolar.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,515, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.