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Bipolar - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Bipolar refers to a condition marked by extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). It is also used to describe anything with two opposing extremes.

bipolar

/baɪˈpoʊlɚ/ /baɪˈpəʊlə/

Definition:

Relating to or having two poles or extremes, especially in mood or behavior.

Synonyms:

Manic-depressive, dualistic, polarized

Part of Speech:

Adjective, noun

Antonyms:

Stable, uniform

Common Collocations:

Bipolar disorder, bipolar symptoms, bipolar patient, bipolar episodes

Derivatives:

Bipolarity, bipolarization

Usage Tips:

Use "bipolar" to describe extreme opposites in mood or conditions, not just general changes.

Common Phrases:

Bipolar disorder, bipolar spectrum, emotional rollercoaster

Etymology:

From Latin "bi-" (two) + "polaris" (relating to poles), first used in 1850s for magnetism and later psychology.

Examples:

  • 1. She has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
  • 2. The weather here is almost bipolar—sunny one minute and stormy the next.
  • 3. His mood swings are so extreme they seem bipolar.
  • 4. The artist’s work reflects a bipolar contrast between light and dark themes.

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