The aftermath of the 2024 U.S. presidential election has left the nation in disarray and captivated global attention, instigating varied reactions from celebration to alarm. This divisive climate has led Merriam-Webster to declare “polarization” as the word of the year.
Peter Sokolowski, the editor at large for Merriam-Webster, elaborated on the selection in an interview prior to the official reveal, describing polarization as a specific type of division where society increasingly trends towards extremes instead of finding common ground.
The recent presidential election underscored this polarization, as many voters approached the polls believing the opposing candidate posed a significant threat to the U.S. A survey conducted by AP VoteCast showed that approximately 80% of voters supporting Kamala Harris expressed concern over Donald Trump’s extreme viewpoints, while around 70% of Trump supporters shared similar sentiments about Harris.
The Merriam-Webster definition of “polarization” incorporates both scientific and metaphorical meanings, with its common usage denoting “strong disagreement between opposing groups.” The dictionary’s selection annually hinges on data, monitoring increases in search and usage statistics. Last year, the word recognized was “authentic.” This year’s choice appears as many Americans grapple with distinguishing between reality and misinformation.
Sokolowski emphasizes the importance of the dictionary as an impartial source of word meanings, especially in an age overwhelmed by fake news and alternative facts. Oddly enough, “polarization” came into the English lexicon in the 1800s, distinct from many scientifically rooted words of Latin origin that surfaced during the Renaissance. He notes that “polarized” adds intensity to discussions, often related to race relations, political divisions, and various ideologies.
Moreover, Sokolowski highlighted the primary function of dictionaries as truth-tellers regarding language. With over 420 years of English dictionaries in existence, only in the last two decades has there been comprehensive tracking of the words people search for and use.
The concept of polarization transcends political discussions, finding relevance in cultural critiques and technological advancements. For instance, heavy scrutiny surrounding Taylor Swift’s private jet use is described as polarizing, as is the rivalry between rap artists Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Even the International Olympic Committee’s decision related to gymnast Jordan Chiles garners similar bipartisan frictions. Various light-hearted pop culture discussions, including memes and social media trends, have also exhibited the same divisive flavor.
Interestingly, while the word “polarization” ignites varied opinions, it evokes a rare consensus among individuals spanning the political spectrum, finding usage among commentators from both conservative and liberal news outlets.
In addition to “polarization,” Merriam-Webster’s top ten words for 2024 include a selection of intriguing terms.
**Demure** – Influenced by a viral TikTok video, the word gained traction as people sought to understand its meaning of being reserved or modest.
**Fortnight** – The collaboration between Taylor Swift and Post Malone in a distinctive song spurred many curious inquiries into the term, which signifies a period of two weeks.
**Totality** – The anticipation surrounding the solar eclipse inspired countless individuals to search for this word, which often refers to a complete or whole entity, specifically regarding the phenomenon where the moon entirely obscures the sun.
**Resonate** – Frequently appearing in AI-generated texts, this word signifies a personal or emotional connection but is ironically overused by artificial intelligence, detracting from its intended weight.
**Allision** – This word saw a surge in lookup frequency following a maritime incident in Baltimore, describing an event where a moving object strikes a stationary one.
**Weird** – Used in a memorable political context during a television broadcast, this word gained popularity as many sought its correct spelling amid its usage.
**Cognitive** – With frequent mention surrounding debates and discussions about mental acuity, this term speaks to intellectual processes like thinking and reasoning.
**Pander** – This term became prominent in the political sphere, particularly in critiques surrounding Kamala Harris and Donald Trump’s interactions with their respective audiences.
**Democracy** – Consistently relevant since its selection as the first word of the year in 2003, it continues to catch public interest as people remain vigilant about its implications in governance.
In conclusion, as we reflect on the words that define recent years, it becomes clear that language evolves in tandem with societal dynamics, with each term encapsulating current sentiments and cultural shifts.
Over the past decade, the following words have emerged as defining terms in Merriam-Webster’s annual selections:
1. 2023: Authentic
2. 2022: Gaslighting
3. 2021: Vaccine
4. 2020: Pandemic
5. 2019: They
6. 2018: Justice
7. 2017: Feminism
8. 2016: Surreal
9. 2015: Ism
10. 2014: Culture
