polarised
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /ˈpoʊləraɪzd/
KK: /ˈpoʊlərˌaɪzd/
adjective
Definition
Describing a situation or group that is divided into two or more opposing sides or extremes.
Example
The debate on climate change has become increasingly polarised, with strong opinions on both sides.
Conversation
Have you noticed how our opinions on that topic are so polarised?
Yeah, it's like people are either completely for it or totally against it.
It's strange because there used to be more middle ground in discussions.
I know! Now it feels like everyone is taking sides.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
divided
contrasting
opposed
Antonyms
unified
similar
harmonious
verb
Definition
To cause something to divide into two sharply contrasting groups or opinions.
Example
The debate on climate change has polarised the community into two opposing sides.
Tense Forms
Past: polarised
Past Participle: polarised
Conversation
Did you see how the debate polarised the audience?
Yeah, I noticed that too; people were really divided.
It's interesting how a topic can polarise opinions so much.
Root Explanation
Polarised → It is formed from "polar" (from Latin *polaris*, meaning of the poles) and "-ised" (a suffix used to form verbs indicating a process or result). The word "polarised" means to cause to divide into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions or beliefs, often relating to the poles of a spectrum.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'polar' which relates to opposites, like the North and South Poles, and remember that 'polarised' means creating a division into opposing sides.
Visually Confused Words
poplared
polished
parished
unpolarized
poised