Polarizing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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polarizing
[หpoส.lษหraษชz.ษชล ]
Definitions
public opinion
Causing division or disagreement within a group or community, often by creating extreme opposing views or reactions.
Synonyms
controversial, divisive, splitting.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| polarizing |
Used to describe something that causes people to divide into two distinct groups with opposing views. Often utilized in discussions about politics, social issues, or public figures.
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| divisive |
Describes something that causes people to be divided and conflicts to arise, often leading to tension and lack of unity. Frequently seen in political, social, and cultural contexts.
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| controversial |
Appropriate for describing topics, actions, or opinions that provoke strong disagreement and debate. Commonly used in the context of news, media, and societal discussions.
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| splitting |
Less common and more informal compared to the other terms. Often refers to something that causes a group or entity to break apart. Can indicate both physical and metaphorical splitting.
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Examples of usage
- The movie was polarizing, with some viewers loving it and others hating it.
- The politician's speech was polarizing, as it sparked heated debates among the audience.
opinions
To cause a sharp division or difference of opinion between people or groups.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| polarizing |
Used to describe something that causes people to have very different opinions, often leading to strong disagreements.
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| divide |
Commonly used to describe splitting something into parts, especially when referring to groups or opinions.
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| split |
Used when something is being divided into two or more parts, often suggesting equal or near-equal parts and can also refer to conflicts or disagreements.
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| separate |
Typically used to describe physical or metaphorical distancing or partitioning of entities.
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Examples of usage
- The issue of gun control has polarized the nation, with strong opinions on both sides.
- The controversial decision polarized the public, leading to protests and debates.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research in psychology shows that individuals tend to gravitate towards groups that share their polarizing views, reinforcing their beliefs.
- Polarization can lead to a phenomenon known as groupthink, where teams make decisions that discourage dissenting opinions.
- During discussions, people are more likely to become polarizing when faced with conflicting viewpoints, which can escalate conflicts.
Politics
- In political contexts, polarization often refers to the trend of parties becoming more ideologically divided over time.
- Highly polarizing figures can significantly influence public opinion, leading to intense debates and divisions in society.
- Evidence suggests that increased media exposure can amplify polarization, as people seek out content that aligns with their existing views.
Media & Pop Culture
- Television shows and movies can be polarizing, with audiences splitting between love or hate, such as certain reality TV shows.
- Musical artists often create polarizing music that resonates with some listeners while alienating others.
- Social media platforms are hotspots for polarizing discussions, where users often encounter posts that provoke strong reactions.
Science
- In physics, polarization describes the orientation of waves, often applied to light, where waves can oscillate in various directions.
- In chemistry, polarizing agents can influence how molecules align, impacting their properties and interactions.
- The concept has also been used in climate science, where differing opinions on climate change can polarize public discourse.
Origin of 'polarizing'
Main points about word origin
- The word originates from 'polar', which refers to opposites or extremes, like the North and South Poles.
- It was first used in the early 20th century to describe opinions that cause division.
- The concept of polarization can be traced back to the study of electricity and magnetism, where entities polarize into positive and negative charges.
The word 'polarizing' originates from the verb 'polarize', which comes from the noun 'pole' meaning 'extreme end'. The concept of polarization has been used in various fields such as physics and politics to describe the separation of opinions or entities into extreme opposing positions. The adjective 'polarizing' gained popularity in the 20th century with the rise of mass media and social movements that triggered sharp divisions in society.
See also: nonpolar, polar, polarisation, polarization, unpolar.