Merriam-Webster has officially announced its word of the year for 2024, and it is “polarization.” This word was chosen following a contentious presidential election, as it reflects the division into two sharply distinct opposites. Peter Sokolowski, Merriam-Webster’s editor at large, explains that polarization signifies a tendency towards extremes rather than towards the center.
Each year, Merriam-Webster selects its word of the year based on lookup data from its online dictionary. In previous years, words like “authentic,” “gaslighting,” “vaccine,” and “pandemic” have claimed the title. The choice of “polarization” for 2024 highlights the desire of Americans to better understand the complex state of affairs in the country and around the world.
The word “polar” has its roots in the Latin word “polaris,” which pertains to the North and South Poles. The term “polarize” was first utilized in a scientific journal in 1811, according to the Oxford English Dictionary. Over time, “polarization” has come to be associated primarily with race relations, politics, and ideology in the United States.
Political polarization, in particular, has become a dominant theme in American society. Ideological differences between political parties often appear insurmountable, with individuals holding fundamentally different beliefs about what is right, true, and good. This polarization has become the default setting in American politics, as noted by commentators like Shadi Hamid of the Washington Post.
Merriam-Webster aims to serve as a neutral and objective arbiter of meaning, providing a universally accepted definition of words like “polarization.” The term has been widely used by major news outlets across the political spectrum to analyze and reflect upon the state of American politics, especially in the context of the 2024 presidential election.
Greg Barlow, the president of Merriam-Webster, points out the irony that “polarization” is a concept shared by both sides of the political divide. It has become a defining characteristic of American society in the current political climate.
In conclusion, the selection of “polarization” as the word of the year for 2024 underscores the deep-seated divisions and ideological differences present in American politics and society. It serves as a reflection of the challenges and complexities facing the nation as it grapples with issues of identity, belief, and governance.
