adj
bipolar
beye-POH-luh
adj
1
Relating to or affected by bipolar disorder, a mental health condition marked by extreme swings between depressive lows and manic highs.
"He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in his twenties."
2
Having two distinct, often opposite, poles, sides, or extremes.
"The Cold War created a bipolar world order between two superpowers."
How to Use Bipolar
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither the mental health condition involving mood extremes, or, more generally, having two opposite poles or sides.
Common mistake
Avoid using "bipolar" casually to mean simply "moody" — it refers to a specific diagnosed condition, and using it loosely can be dismissive.
Common pairings
bipolar disorder
bipolar world
Word Forms
more bipolar comparative, most bipolar superlative
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He was diagnosed with _____ disorder in his twenties.
Etymology
From "bi-" (two) and "polar" (relating to a pole or extreme).