ENGLISH
REFERENCE

polarization

n. uncountable
C1 Advanced US //ˌpoʊɫɝəˈzeɪʃən// po·lar·iza·tion Dialect

n. the situation where people in a group divide into two very different and opposite opinions. This often happens in politics when people cannot agree on anything.

n. the process or state in which a group or population divides into two sharply contrasting sets of opinions or beliefs. Frequently used in political science to describe the widening gap between ideological extremes.


SIMPLE

The country is facing deep political polarization.

CONTEXTUAL

Social media algorithms often increase polarization by showing users content that only confirms their existing beliefs.

COMPLEX

The increasing polarization of the electorate has made it difficult for lawmakers to reach a consensus on even the most basic legislative priorities.

Origin

Borrowed from French polarisation. By surface analysis, polarize + -ation or polar + -ization.

Usage

Uncountable in its sociological sense; often paired with 'of' to specify the group being divided.

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