polarity
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for polarity, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The property of having two opposite poles or charges, such as positive and negative in electricity or north and south in magnetism.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
The property of having two opposite poles or charges, such as positive and negative in electricity or north and south in magnetism.
“Check the polarity before connecting the battery terminals.”
2. noun
A sharp division between two directly opposed groups, opinions or tendencies.
“The debate exposed the polarity between the two wings of the party.”
How to Use Polarity
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Technical in senses 1 and 3, figurative and slightly formal in sense 2.
Etymology
From Greek polos, "axis, pivot", via Latin polus and the adjective polar.
Full origin of polarity →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between polarity and polarisation?
Polarity is the condition of having two opposite poles or extremes. Polarisation is the process by which something develops that condition or is pushed further towards the extremes. Public opinion has polarity; it becomes that way through polarisation.
What does reversing the polarity do?
It swaps the positive and negative connections. In a DC motor this makes it turn the other way; in many electronic devices it does nothing useful and can cause damage, which is why connectors are usually designed to fit only one way round.
Why is water a polar molecule?
Oxygen pulls the shared electrons more strongly than hydrogen does, so the oxygen end carries a slight negative charge and the hydrogen ends a slight positive one. That uneven charge is its polarity, and it explains why water dissolves salts and sugars so readily.