'Polarization' Is Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year for 2024

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Source : (remove) : Smithsonian Magazine
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Mon, December 9, 2024

[ Mon, Dec 09th 2024 ]: Smithsonian Magazine
Category: Politics and Government

'Polarization' Is Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year for 2024

//politics-government.news-articles.net/content/ .. merriam-webster-s-word-of-the-year-for-2024.html

Published in Politics and Government on Monday, December 9th 2024 at 16:00 GMT by Smithsonian Magazine
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The winning word beat out finalists such as "demure," "pander," "totality," "fortnight," "allision" and "democracy"

Merriam-Webster has chosen "polarization" as its word of the year for 2024, reflecting the increasing division in American society. The term, which saw a significant spike in lookups, encapsulates the growing political, social, and cultural divides. Editor at large Peter Sokolowski noted that polarization is not just about political differences but also about the broader societal fragmentation, where people are increasingly isolated in their own ideological echo chambers. This choice underscores the dictionary's role in capturing the zeitgeist, highlighting how language evolves to reflect contemporary issues. The article also discusses how polarization affects various aspects of life, from media consumption to interpersonal relationships, emphasizing the need for understanding and dialogue to bridge these divides.

Read the Full Smithsonian Magazine Article at:
[ https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/polarization-is-merriam-websters-word-of-the-year-for-2024-180985610/ ]