Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Polarise
verb
/ POH-luh-ryz /
Easy
Meaning
To divide into two sharply contrasting groups or sets of opinions with little middle ground; to cause extreme divergence of views.
Origin / Etymology
Greek polos (axis, pivot), referring to opposite poles of a sphere
Synonyms
Divide
Split
Bifurcate
Antonyms
Unite
Reconcile
Converge
Example Sentence
"Social media algorithms that amplify outrage-inducing content have progressively polarised political discourse in India, reducing space for deliberative democracy and cross-party consensus."
🎯 UPSC Usage
Use in GS2 Polity (electoral reforms, social media regulation), GS1 Social Issues (communalism, identity politics), and Essay papers on democracy, technology, and social cohesion. Critical concept for contemporary governance analysis.
Relevant Subjects