Merriam-Webster chooses a Word of The Year annually, and this year’s pick nailed it. “Polarization” is defined by the dictionary as “division into two sharply distinct opposites; especially, a state in which the opinions, beliefs, or interests of a group or society no longer range along a continuum but become concentrated at opposing extremes.” The term dates back to the early 1800s in reference to light waves but is often used today in relation to politics. Here are the runners up:
- totality
- demure
- fortnight
- pander
- resonate
- allision
- weird
- cognitive
- democracy
Source: Time