Merriam-Webster’s 2024 word of the year: polarization

The aftermath of the 2024 U.S. presidential election left the nation deeply divided, with the word “polarization” being named as Merriam-Webster’s word of the year. This term signifies the extreme division that has taken hold, pushing people towards the fringes rather than the center.

The election saw voters on both sides viewing the opposing candidate as a threat to the country, with concerns about extreme views driving their decisions at the polls. The concept of polarization, as defined by Merriam-Webster, refers to the strong disagreements between different factions or groups. The word’s selection as the word of the year was based on a significant increase in searches and usage throughout the year.

Interestingly, “polarization” is a relatively young word in the English language, dating back to the early 1800s. It has become a widely used term, particularly in discussions about race relations, politics, and ideologies. The dictionary aims to provide an objective interpretation of words, especially in a time when misinformation and alternative facts are rampant.

Beyond its political implications, “polarization” has permeated various aspects of society, including pop culture, technology trends, and other industries. From controversies in the music industry to social media debates, the term continues to spark intense discussions and disagreements.

In addition to “polarization,” Merriam-Webster’s top 10 words of 2024 include “demure,” “fortnight,” “totality,” “resonate,” “allision,” “weird,” “cognitive,” “pander,” and “democracy.” These words have all seen increased use and interest throughout the year, reflecting the diverse and evolving nature of language in contemporary society.

Overall, the selection of “polarization” as the word of the year highlights the deep divisions and disagreements that have characterized the past year. As people continue to grapple with conflicting viewpoints and ideologies, the importance of understanding and addressing polarization becomes increasingly clear.