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polarización

/polaɾiθaˈθjon/
noun★Intermediate— political or social division
formal

The process of dividing a society, group, or population into opposing factions or extremes, often along political, ideological, or social lines.

El debate político ha llevado a una mayor polarización en la sociedad.

The political debate has led to greater polarization in society.

💡

Often used in political and social contexts to describe deep divisions.

technical

In physics, the alignment of the electric or magnetic fields of waves in a specific direction.

La polarización de la luz es un fenómeno importante en óptica.

The polarization of light is an important phenomenon in optics.

💡

A technical term in physics, distinct from the social/political usage.

Collocations

polarización políticapolitical polarizationpolarización socialsocial polarizationpolarización de la luzpolarization of light

Synonyms

divisiónfragmentaciónseparación

Antonyms

unidadconciliacióncohesión

Related Phrases

estar polarizadophrase
to be polarized

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

Be mindful of the context when using 'polarización,' as its meaning varies significantly between social/political and scientific contexts.

⚡Gold Rule

Avoid Overgeneralization

Do not use 'polarización' to describe minor disagreements; it implies deep, often irreconcilable divisions.

📖Word Origin

Derived from the verb 'polarizar,' which comes from the Latin 'polaris' (pole) and the suffix '-izar' (to make).

📝Usage Notes

In Spanish, 'polarización' is most commonly used in political and social contexts, though it also has a technical meaning in physics.

Word Breakdown

polar
relating to poles or extremes
root
+
-ización
the process of making or becoming
suffix
Diccionario Español-Inglés

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