POLARISE Meaning and
Definition
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To polarise means to divide or create a division between two or more groups, individuals, or opinions, often leading to extreme or diametrically opposed views or positions. The term comes from the word "polar," which refers to the two opposite poles of a magnetic or electrical field that exert a strong influence on nearby objects.
When something polarises, it causes people or groups to become more distant or alienated from each other, emphasizing their differences rather than their commonalities. This can occur through various means, such as the expression of contrasting ideologies, beliefs, values, or attitudes. Polarisation often results in the formation of distinct factions or camps with divergent viewpoints, as individuals align themselves with the group they most closely identify with or share beliefs.
The process of polarisation can occur in various contexts, including politics, social issues, religion, or even within personal relationships. Media outlets, social media platforms, and political leaders can contribute to polarising opinions by promoting extreme or one-sided viewpoints, amplifying existing divisions, or encouraging a "with us or against us" mindset.
Polarisation can have both positive and negative consequences. On the positive side, it can promote debate and critical thinking, encouraging people to examine their own perspectives and those of others. However, it can also lead to increased hostility, conflict, and a breakdown in communication between groups, hindering problem-solving and cooperation.
Overall, to polarise is to create a division between opposing groups or viewpoints, accentuating differences and fostering conflict rather than harmony.
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To render incapable of exhibiting the ordinary phenomena of reflection and transmission-applied to rays of light when acted upon by certain media and surfaces.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for POLARISE
Etymology of POLARISE
The word "polarise" is derived from the noun "pole", which originated from the Latin word "polus", meaning "end of an axis". It was further borrowed into English from the Greek word "polos", with the same meaning.
The verb "polarise" is formed by adding the suffix "-ize" to "pole", creating the action of bringing something to, or dividing it into, opposite extremes or positions. It was first used in the context of physics, describing the process of creating polarity or dividing particles into positive and negative charges. However, over time, the term has been adopted more widely and is now used metaphorically to describe the division or separation of people or opinions into opposing groups or camps.
Similar spelling words for POLARISE
Conjugate verb Polarise
CONDITIONAL
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FUTURE
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FUTURE PERFECT
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PRESENT
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PRESENT PERFECT
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