Pronunciation: [pˈə͡ʊlɑːɹˌa͡ɪzɪz] (IPA) 
Polarizes (ˈpoʊləˌraɪzəz) is the correct spelling for the third person singular form of the verb polarize, meaning to cause a division between groups or create opposing forces. The word is spelled with an "s" at the end to indicate the present tense and third person form, and a "z" to reflect the pronunciation of the final syllable, which is stressed and contains the sound "zuh" (represented by the phonetic symbol əz).
The term "polarizes" is a verb that describes the act or process of causing division, conflict, or separation between people or groups by creating starkly contrasting opinions, beliefs, or viewpoints. It involves the formation of two opposing poles or extremes, often corresponding to opposing sides or ideologies.
When someone or something polarizes, it evokes strong emotions, draws clear lines, and leads individuals or communities to take a stance on a particular issue. This division can manifest in various ways, such as in debates, discussions, or even public opinion. The polarization intensifies the differences between opposing viewpoints, making consensus or compromise difficult to achieve.
Polarization typically arises from various factors, including differing values, lifestyles, political ideologies, religious beliefs, or social and cultural backgrounds. It can occur in diverse contexts, such as politics, social issues, economics, and even personal relationships. It often leads to hostility, tension, and animosity among conflicting parties, as each side tends to reinforce their own viewpoint while criticizing and discrediting their opponents.
In the age of social media and rapid communication, the spread of disinformation, echo chambers, and sensationalism tends to exacerbate polarization by amplifying extreme viewpoints and suppressing moderate or nuanced opinions. However, it is important to note that while polarization can contribute to greater division, it can also stimulate productive dialogue between contrasting perspectives, leading to personal growth, social change, and the exploration of new ideas.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The etymology of the word "polarizes" can be traced back to the noun "pole" and the suffix "-ize".
The noun "pole" refers to either of the two opposite points or regions at the extremities of the axis of a sphere or a celestial body. This term comes from the Latin word "polus" which means "end of an axis" or "fixed point".
The suffix "-ize" is derived from the Greek "-izein" which is used to form verb stems. It indicates the act of causing or becoming, or the act of converting something into a particular state or condition.
So, when "pole" is combined with "-ize", the resulting word "polarize" means the action of causing something to acquire or exhibit polarity, or to divide or group into opposites or extremes.
