Word
polarity
Phoneticspo·lar·i·ty, stress on the second syllable
US/poʊˈɫɛɹəti/
UK/pəʊlˈæɹɪti/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. the state of having two opposite sides or qualities, like the positive and negative ends of a battery. It can also describe two very different groups of people who disagree completely.
n. the property of having two opposite poles, charges, or directions. In social contexts, it refers to the state of being divided into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions.
Examples
“The battery has a specific polarity you must follow.”
“The growing polarity between the two political parties made it nearly impossible for the committee to reach a compromise.”
“In molecular chemistry, the polarity of water molecules allows them to form hydrogen bonds, which is the fundamental reason for many of the substance's unique physical properties.”
Examples
simple
“The battery has a specific polarity you must follow.”
contextual
“The growing polarity between the two political parties made it nearly impossible for the committee to reach a compromise.”
complex
“In molecular chemistry, the polarity of water molecules allows them to form hydrogen bonds, which is the fundamental reason for many of the substance's unique physical properties.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the general physical property; countable when referring to specific instances of opposition or magnetic orientation.
Real-World Examples
“Hall-effect switches come in 3-pin or 5-pin varieties, and the polarity of the switch’s magnet must be compatible with the PCB’s sensors, or depressing the switch may not trigger the sensor beneath it.” “While he was manager of Real Madrid, he single-handedly reversed the polarities of Spanish club football and won a frequently heated personal battle with then-Barcelona manager Pep Guardiola .” Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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