ENGLISH
REFERENCE

polarity

n. C / U
C1 Advanced US //poʊˈɫɛɹəti// UK //pəʊlˈæɹɪti// po·lar·i·ty

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.


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.

Synonyms
Usage

Uncountable when referring to the general physical property; countable when referring to specific instances of opposition or magnetic orientation.

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