noun

polarity

puh-LARR-ih-tee

Polarity (noun) means the property of having two opposite poles or charges, such as positive and negative in electricity or north and south in magnetism. Example: “Check the polarity before connecting the battery terminals.”

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."

"Reversing the polarity makes the motor run backwards."

A sharp division between two directly opposed groups, opinions or tendencies.

"The debate exposed the polarity between the two wings of the party."

In chemistry, the uneven distribution of electrical charge across a molecule, which determines how it dissolves and bonds.

"Water's polarity is what makes it such a good solvent."

How to Use Polarity

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishHaving two opposite ends or sides — like the two ends of a magnet, or two sides of an argument.

When to use it

Technical in senses 1 and 3, figurative and slightly formal in sense 2.

Memory tip

Polarity is a state — the opposites already exist. Polarisation is the process of moving towards those opposites.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

polarisation duality →

Common pairings

reverse the polarity opposite polarity molecular polarity political polarity

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

Check the _____ before connecting the battery terminals.

Etymology

From Greek polos, "axis, pivot", via Latin polus and the adjective polar.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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charge orientation opposition division dichotomy antagonism

Related Words

part point level class price tax section attack

Rhymes for polarity

city pity deity acuity parity entity brevity opacity paucity ability quality reality

See all rhymes for 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.

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