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

Synonyms

• contrariety
• contrariness
• oppositeness
• 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

To change a bit from a 1 to a 0, the head reverses the polarity of the magnetic material in the tiny patch, so that the spins in it point in the opposite direction. —Pedram Khalili, IEEE Spectrum, 26 June 2015

But the fates of Penny and Neely have, like so much else in American life, become sucked into the polarities of political debate. —Niall Stanage, The Hill, 3 Dec. 2024

Shifting polarity of the sun Unable to view our graphics? —Janet Loehrke, USA TODAY, 18 Nov. 2024

That's hard for a lot of people to believe right now, given the polarity in our politics and the sometimes bombastic rhetoric that claims part of the country will suffer irrevocably depending on the election outcome. —David Plazas, The Tennessean, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing polarity

• polarity therapy

Kids 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