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


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Published in Politics and Government on by Smithsonian Magazine   Print publication without navigation

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/ ]

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