The phrase ‘polarization’, which grew to become an integral a part of the socio-political discourse in 2024, can also be Merriam-Webster’s Phrase of the 12 months. The idea, typically heard in political debate and dialogue, has come to outline the rising divisions in societies worldwide. However what precisely does it imply, and why has it develop into so vital this yr?
What’s ‘polarization’?
Based on Merriam-Webster, ‘polarization’ is outlined as “division into two sharply distinct opposites; particularly, a state through which the opinions, beliefs, or pursuits of a gaggle or society not vary alongside a continuum however develop into concentrated at opposing extremes.”
Peter Sokolowski, Merriam-Webster’s editor at giant, informed AP, “Polarization means division, but it surely’s a really particular sort of division. Polarization signifies that we’re tending towards the extremes fairly than towards the centre.”
In 2024, the idea resonated deeply, notably within the context of the US presidential election, which left many feeling extra divided than ever, in line with AP. “The 2024 presidential election has left our nation extra polarized than ever,” famous MSNBC, whereas Fox Information mentioned how points like immigration have intensified “voter polarization.”
Whereas the time period ‘polarization’ is closely related to political divides as we speak, it traces its roots within the bodily world. Based on Merriam-Webster, “Polarization, and the verb polarize, date again to the early 1800s after they first described gentle waves. That bodily which means of polarize — ‘to trigger to vibrate in a particular sample — led to the political and cultural which means that helps outline the world as we speak.”
The phrase is derived from the Latin polaris, which means the Earth’s poles, and can also be linked to the North Star, Polaris.
Significance of the 2024 Phrase of the 12 months
So, why did ‘polarization’ stand out as Merriam-Webster’s selection this yr? Based on Sokolowski, the time period’s growing utilization displays a societal shift towards extra pronounced divides. He described ‘polarization’ as “a reasonably younger phrase” within the English language.
At a time marked by pretend information, Sokolowski sees the dictionary as a stabilising power. He stated, “It is at all times been necessary to me that the dictionary serves as a sort of impartial and goal arbiter of which means for everyone. It is a sort of backstop for which means in an period of pretend information, various information, no matter you need to say in regards to the worth of a phrase’s which means within the tradition.”
