polarity
noun
po·lar·i·ty
pō-ˈler-ə-tē 
pə-,
-ˈla-rə-
plural polarities
1
: the quality or condition inherent in a body that exhibits opposite properties or powers in opposite parts or directions or that exhibits contrasted properties or powers in contrasted parts or directions : the condition of having poles
2
: attraction toward a particular object or in a specific direction
3
: the particular state either positive or negative with reference to the two poles or to electrification
4
a
: diametrical opposition
b
: an instance of such opposition
Examples of polarity in a Sentence
the polarity of the candidates' views on the issue means that the voters have a clear choice to make
Recent Examples on the Web
Despite the radical polarity—or, rather, the empty center—on which Anna is built, her character is given unity and continuity by Curtis’s performance.
—
Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 May 2025
Some of the text messages read in court on Wednesday displayed the extreme emotional polarity of the couple’s relationship.
—Julia Jacobs, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Viewing these as polarities to be managed, rather than problems to be solved, can improve decision-making.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
This theme of polarity only intensifies as the month unfolds.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarity
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Richard Brody, New Yorker, 28 May 2025
Some of the text messages read in court on Wednesday displayed the extreme emotional polarity of the couple’s relationship.
—Julia Jacobs, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Viewing these as polarities to be managed, rather than problems to be solved, can improve decision-making.
—Expert Panel®, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
This theme of polarity only intensifies as the month unfolds.
—Dossé-Via Trenou, Refinery29, 29 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polarity
Cite this Entry
“Polarity.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polarity. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
polarity
noun
po·lar·i·ty
pō-ˈlar-ət-ē
pə-
plural polarities
1
: the condition of having poles and especially magnetic or electrical poles
2
: attraction toward a particular object or in a specific direction
Medical Definition
polarity
noun
po·lar·i·ty
pō-ˈlar-ət-ē, pə-
plural polarities
1
: the quality or condition inherent in a body that exhibits contrasting properties or powers in contrasting parts or directions
2
: attraction toward a particular object or in a specific direction
3
: the particular state either positive or negative with reference to the two poles or to electrification
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