polarizing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "polarizing" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that causes division or strong differing opinions among people. An example: "The film was polarizing, sparking heated debates among critics and audiences alike." Alternative expressions include "divisive" and "controversial."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Because daytime glare typically originates from reflections off horizontal surfaces such as roads and water, polarizing filters are often used in sunglasses to remove horizontally polarized light, hence selectively removing glare.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In response to this, and an earlier message from Mr Hayes defending polarisation, David Roberts of Grist tweeted: "But polarizing who against who?

The Economist

The high- and low-skill occupations to which employment is polarizing either do not experience contractions, or if they do, rebound soon after the turning point in aggregate output.

The Economist

In 1938 Frey-Wyssling began his studies in submicroscopic morphology, using polarizing microscopy and other optical techniques to obtain indirect evidence concerning submicroscopic structures.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The nitrogen cation (N5+) carries a high charge and is strongly polarizing like the carbon cation (C4+) of the CO3 group.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Many structures can be examined microscopically, using the same general techniques employed in petrology, in which sections of rock mounted on glass slides are ground very thin and are then examined by transmitted light with polarizing microscopes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This attack crystallized the opposition to Booker T. Washington among many black intellectuals, polarizing the leaders of the black community into two wings the "conservative" supporters of Washington and his "radical" critics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An amplified audio signal is impressed onto the screens, polarizing the metal sheet, and the resulting electrostatic force creates a motion of the sheet, producing a sound wave.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Technological applications include polarizing microscopes, liquid crystal displays, and optical instrumentation for materials testing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The last procurators in particular were indifferent to Jewish religious sensibilities; and various patriotic groups, to whom nationalism was an integral part of their religion, succeeded in polarizing the Jewish population and bringing on the first war with Rome in 66.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

When light strikes a reflective surface at a certain angle (called the polarizing angle), the reflected light becomes completely polarized.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific writing, use "polarizing" strictly for physical processes, such as light filtration or chemical ion interactions, to maintain technical accuracy.

Common error

Avoid using "polarizing" when you actually mean "polarized". Use "polarizing" to describe the cause (e.g. "a polarizing leader") and "polarized" to describe the effect or the resulting state of the audience (e.g. "a polarized electorate").

Linguistic Context

The word "polarizing" functions primarily as an adjective or the present participle of the verb "polarize". As seen in the Ludwig database, it frequently modifies nouns like "figure", "question" or "filter". Ludwig AI confirms its status as a grammatically correct and versatile descriptor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

35%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "polarizing" is a high-utility word that bridges the gap between hard science and social commentary. Ludwig AI indicates that it is most frequently used to describe figures or topics that create a sharp divide in public sentiment. However, a significant portion of its usage remains rooted in physics and optics, specifically regarding light filtration. When writing, remember that "polarizing" identifies the active force of division. It is a powerful choice for authors who need to describe intense disagreement or technical separation without resorting to more loaded or informal terms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

divisive

focuses more on the resulting discord rather than the process of creating two distinct poles

contentious

implies something likely to cause an argument but not necessarily a split into two opposing groups

provocative

suggests an intentional attempt to stir up a reaction rather than just the state of being divided

adversarial

describes a relationship characterized by opposition and conflict

partisan

specifically refers to political bias or strong adherence to a single party

discordant

emphasizes the lack of harmony or agreement

dichotomous

more technical and neutral, referring simply to a division into two parts

clashing

describes the active conflict between two opposing forces

binary

stresses the 'two-state' nature of a situation without the emotional weight of conflict

antagonistic

implies active hostility or opposition between two groups

FAQs

How do I use "polarizing" in a sentence?

You can use "polarizing" to describe a person or topic that creates strong, opposing opinions, such as: "The new policy proved to be quite "polarizing" among the staff members."

What is a good synonym for "polarizing"?

Depending on your context, you might use "divisive" if you want to emphasize conflict or "contentious" if the topic causes a lot of debate.

Is it "polarizing" or "polarising"?

"Polarizing" is the standard American English spelling, while "polarising" is the preferred spelling in British English.

Can "polarizing" be used for objects?

Yes, it is often used for physical objects like "polarizing filters" in photography which selectively block light waves.