The 2024 US presidential election left the country deeply divided and reverberated globally, sparking both celebration and concern. Unsurprisingly, Merriam-Webster has chosen “polarization” as its word of the year.
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“Polarization signifies division, but a very specific kind,” explains Peter Sokolowski, Merriam-Webster’s editor at large. “It indicates a trend towards extremes rather than the center.”
The election’s divisiveness was palpable, with many voters perceiving the opposing candidate as a fundamental threat to the nation. AP VoteCast, a survey of over 120,000 voters, revealed that roughly 80% of Kamala Harris voters expressed significant concern over Donald Trump’s extreme views, while about 70% of Trump voters held similar concerns about Harris.
FILE – From left, Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-NY, Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, President Joe Biden, Michael Bloomberg, Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, attend the 9/11 Memorial ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, on Sept. 11, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura, File)
Defining Polarization in a Divided Era
Merriam-Webster defines “polarization” as “causing strong disagreement between opposing factions or groupings,” encompassing both scientific and metaphorical interpretations. The dictionary, with 100 million monthly pageviews, selects its word of the year based on data reflecting increased search and usage.
This year’s choice reflects a widespread struggle to find common ground on fundamental truths, contrasting with last year’s selection, “authentic.” Sokolowski emphasizes the dictionary’s role as a “neutral and objective arbiter of meaning,” crucial in an era of misinformation.
Originating in the early 19th century, “polarization” is a relatively young word in the English language, often used to describe heightened divisions in race relations, politics, and ideology. Sokolowski notes its ability to “bring intensity to another word.”
FILE – People gather at No Studios to watch the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, on Sept. 10, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)
Beyond Politics: Polarization in Culture and Beyond
“Polarization” transcends political discourse, highlighting divisions in pop culture, technology, and various industries. Examples include debates surrounding Taylor Swift’s private jet use, the feud between rappers Kendrick Lamar and Drake, and the controversy surrounding gymnast Jordan Chiles’ Olympic medal. Even seemingly trivial subjects like internet memes and nepotism discussions have proven polarizing.
FILE – Chris Covert, front right, from Leawood, Kan., watches the presidential debate between Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris at a 97-year-old movie theater on Sept. 10, 2024, in Shawnee, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, File)
A Word of Agreement in a Divided World
Ironically, despite its divisive nature, “polarization” itself enjoys widespread agreement. Sokolowski observes its usage across the political spectrum, highlighting a rare instance of consensus in a fragmented landscape. “It’s used by both sides,” he remarks, “and in a twist, it’s something everyone agrees on.” This common understanding underscores the word’s significance in capturing the current zeitgeist. Merriam-Webster’s data-driven approach further validates its selection, reflecting a societal preoccupation with the growing chasm between opposing viewpoints.
