Word
polarization
Phoneticspo·lar·iza·tion
/ˌpoʊɫɝəˈzeɪʃən/
UK spelling · polarisation
Uncountable noun
Definition
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.
Examples
“The country is facing deep political polarization.”
“Social media algorithms often increase polarization by showing users content that only confirms their existing beliefs.”
“The increasing polarization of the electorate has made it difficult for lawmakers to reach a consensus on even the most basic legislative priorities.”
Examples
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.”
Usage
Uncountable in its sociological sense; often paired with 'of' to specify the group being divided.
Real-World Examples
“That distinction matters because public debate over polarization often starts with a simple idea: People prefer others who think like them—"birds of a feather flock together," as the saying goes.” Etymology
Borrowed from French polarisation. By surface analysis, polarize + -ation or polar + -ization.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/polarization