Polarity
/poʊˈlærɪti/noun
The state of having two opposite or contrasting tendencies, qualities, or poles.
Did you know?The core root goes back to Latin *polus* and Greek *pólos*, originally meaning the celestial pivot or axis of the heavens, so “polarity” is literally a word about cosmic opposite points.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kswēl- / *pol-
“A proposed ancient root connected to turning or pivoting in later Greek and Latin forms.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
πόλος (pólos)
“A pivot, axis, or celestial pole.”
Latin
Latin
polus
“The heavenly pole or axis of the sky.”
Late Latin
Latin
polaris
“Of or relating to the pole.”
14th Century
French
polarité
“The condition of having poles or opposite ends.”
19th Century
English
polarity
“The state or quality of having opposing poles, especially in magnetism or philosophy.”