polarity

USAGE SUMMARY

'polarity' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the degree in which two things are opposite in some way. For example, "The polarity of love and hate is extreme and can cause strong emotions in people."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But Dennis Matthews, one of Livermore's more medically minded programme directors, realised that by changing the polarity of the machine it could be used to accelerate positively charged protons, rather than negatively charged electrons.

The Economist

Innovations in air-raid shelters, front-line surgery and mobile blood transfusion were made by unsung Spanish heroes or politicised medical volunteers, such as Norman Bethune from Canada and Douglas Jolly from New Zealand.The polarity of the Spanish conflict was part of the draw.

The Economist

Ever-closer union has become ever harder, like trying to push together magnets of the same polarity.

The Economist

Aerogels are among the lightest solids in existence, while coercivity is a measure of how strong the magnetisation of a magnet is a magnet with low coercivity easily flips polarity, and so would not be useful in a memory or a display.Aerogels are commonly made of silica, the main ingredient in sand.

The Economist

But there is a crucial difference: alongside the coils are a second set of magnets of alternating polarity.

The Economist

He says DIY users may place electrodes incorrectly, thus stimulating the wrong part of their brain, or reverse the polarity of current, potentially impairing the very things they are trying to improve.

The Economist

A special chip inside the device then communicates with the pad to request electrical power at the correct voltage and polarity.

The Economist

This works on a different principle from straight magnetic storage, for although the information is recorded magnetically, it is written and read by a laser.MO disks are coated with a material whose polarity can be altered only at high temperatures.

The Economist

The magnetic polarity of a dot affects its physical characteristics enough for the reflected laser light to differ, depending on whether it is bouncing off a north or a south pole.Because the dots are magnetically stable at room temperature, MO technology should ultimately be capable of holding more information than conventional magnetic storage.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

And Mr Chirac has tried to stop going on about "multi-polarity", an attempt to counter American power that irks the Bush camp.Yet mutual suspicion remains.

The Economist

And Lil Jon' proves that standalone shit has come to be a plain old negative-polarity item by singing (again and again and again), What they gon' do?

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing abstract concepts, ensure that the "polarity" is clearly defined. For example, specify what constitutes the opposite ends of the spectrum.

Common error

Avoid using "polarity" when you mean "polarization". "Polarity" refers to the existence of opposing states, while "polarization" refers to the process of becoming divided into opposing groups or opinions.

Linguistic Context

The word "polarity" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the state of having two opposite or contradictory tendencies, opinions, or aspects. As Ludwig AI pointed out, there are many examples showing the use of "polarity" in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "polarity" is grammatically correct and very common, functioning primarily as a noun to denote opposition or duality. As Ludwig AI's analysis confirms, it appears most frequently in science and news media, indicating a formal to neutral register. When writing, remember to differentiate "polarity" from "polarization" to avoid confusion. The best practice is to be very specific when dealing with abstract usages in order to clarify the intended meaning. Its versatility makes it a useful term across a variety of disciplines, but its technical applications require precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

duality

Refers to the state of having two parts, especially when these contrast with or complement each other.

opposition

Indicates a direct contrast or resistance between two things.

contrast

Highlights the differences between two entities.

inversion

Denotes a reversal of order, position, or relationship.

reversal

Similar to inversion, but can also refer to a change of fortune or policy.

divergence

Emphasizes the act of moving in different directions from a common point.

contrariety

Highlights the condition of being opposed or contrary.

antithesis

Refers to a direct opposite, often used in rhetoric.

diametrical opposition

More emphatic than "opposition", suggesting a complete and extreme contrast.

opposite nature

Describes the fundamental characteristic of being contrary or opposed.

FAQs

How is "polarity" used in science?

In science, "polarity" often refers to the physical properties of molecules or magnets, such as electrical charge or magnetic orientation. For example, understanding the "polarity" of a water molecule is crucial in chemistry.

What's the difference between "polarity" and "duality"?

"Polarity" generally implies two opposite states or conditions of something, such as positive and negative. "Duality" refers more broadly to the state of having two parts or aspects, which may or may not be opposites. They can be interchangeable in some contexts but it's important to note their subtleties.

What can I say instead of "polarity" in political discussions?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "division", "divergence", or "opposition" to describe political differences. For instance, "the "divergence" of political views".

Is "polarity" only used in scientific contexts?

No, "polarity" is used in various contexts, including science, politics, and philosophy. It can refer to any situation where there are two opposing forces, ideas, or states. The key is to understand that it implies two opposites of the same thing.