adjective
polarized
POH-luh-ryzd
Polarized (adjective) means Split into two sharply opposed groups, with little agreement or middle ground left between them. Example: “The country is more polarized now than at any point in living memory.”
adjective
1
Split into two sharply opposed groups, with little agreement or middle ground left between them.
"The country is more polarized now than at any point in living memory."
"A polarized jury deadlocked after four days."
2
Of light or lenses: filtered so that the light waves vibrate in only one plane, cutting reflected glare.
"Polarized lenses make it much easier to see fish under the surface."
verb
1
Past tense and past participle of polarize: to divide people into opposed camps, or to make light or charge vibrate or separate in one direction.
"The proposal polarized the committee within minutes."
How to use polarized
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSplit into two opposite sides, or filtered to cut glare.
When to use it
Neutral. British English usually writes polarised.
Memory tip
A topic that causes the split is divisive; the people left on either side of it are polarized.
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
deeply polarized
polarized debate
polarized electorate
polarized sunglasses
polarized lenses
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The country is more _____ now than at any point in living memory.
Etymology
From polarize, formed on polar, via Latin polaris from Greek polos meaning 'pole' or 'axis'.
Related words
Rhymes for polarized
sized
prized
baptized
utilized
notarized
civilized
idealized
organized
oversized
localized
motorized
mobilized
See all rhymes for polarized →
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between polarized and divisive?
Divisive describes a cause — an issue, a leader, a decision that drives people apart. Polarized describes the result — a group already sorted into two hostile camps. A divisive policy leaves a polarized public.
Are polarized sunglasses worth it?
They cut horizontal glare from water, snow and wet roads, so they genuinely help driving, fishing and skiing. The trade-off is that they can make some LCD screens, including car dashboards and phone displays, look dark or patchy at certain angles.
Is it polarized or polarised?
Both are correct: polarized is the standard American spelling and polarised the usual British one. Pick one and use it consistently through a piece of writing.
What is the meaning of polarized?
"polarized" (adjective) means split into two sharply opposed groups, with little agreement or middle ground left between them.
