# polarity

/poʊˈɫɛɹəti/ (US) · /pəʊlˈæɹɪti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/polarity
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

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

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.