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

There’s the terrible magnet of this little ordinary town, the people whose natural polarities keep them in it forever, and those who rip themselves away. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 24 Feb. 2025

View Comments Earth’s magnetic field has behaved even more dramatically in the past, with the magnetosphere weakening so much that its polarity reversed. —Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 21 Jan. 2025

Each robot also had a photodetector that could sense the polarity of light, allowing basic commands to be sent using a simple flashlight with a polarization filter. —Ars Technica, 1 Mar. 2025

But the exact reason why this causes a flip in polarity remains unknown. —Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 15 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing polarity

• polarity therapy

Rhymes for polarity

• alterity
• asperity
• austerity
• celerity
• dexterity
• disparity
• hilarity
• molarity
• planarity
• posterity
• prosperity
• severity

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